Bandar Seri Begawan – Nuclear energy in Brunei is possible and can be done at a low cost, according to a Research Director at the Canadian Energy Research Institute.

“Nuclear in Brunei is a possibility. It could be done at a relatively low cost with a small reactor,” said David McColl who was in Brunei yesterday to speak at the energy conference hosted by the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies.

During a session on alternative energy strategy, McColl suggested that Brunei may want to reach out to companies like Toshiba or Mitsubishi and to be the “first out of the gate” with a small reactor designed at a low capital cost. This, however, was met with apprehension by some panellists and participants not keen on Brunei turning into a “test subject” for low cost small reactors.

According to McColl modern communication technology enables for the remote operation of small reactors.

Furthermore, McColl emphasised that the nuclear reactor will in fact address the biggest issue faced today by the energy industry – environmental sustainability.

“Nuclear energy will allow for a transition away from natural gas and towards a plentiful source of energy,” he said, asserting that nuclear energy not only has zero greenhouse gas emissions but, on a life-cycle basis, it is cleaner than both wind and solar technology.

In his presentation, he also doused popular misconceptions of the risks of nuclear technology explaining, “nuclear energy is a safe and affordable option for Brunei” and reiterating that “nuclear energy can help Brunei meet its modern energy needs with lower costs and higher reliability”.

While the issue of nuclear technology remains novel for oil-rich Brunei, it is, however, a matter of increasing interest, as talks of nuclear energy have not been isolated.

The issue will also be highlighted at the National Environment Conference in July.

The two-day conference kicked off yesterday at the Empire Hotel and Country Club and will continue again today highlighting issues in promoting energy efficiency in transportation in Brunei Darussalam. - Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin