Nuclear power plans rise across Asia and Africa after Iran war energy shock

Governments in Asia and Africa are revisiting nuclear power plans after energy disruptions linked to the Iran war; Japan has restarted a major plant and Taiwan is considering returning two reactors to service, subject to inspections and safety checks.

Countries across Asia and Africa are reassessing nuclear power as energy disruptions tied to the Iran war have raised concern about fuel supplies and rising costs. Japan and Taiwan have moved to reverse or reconsider earlier policies that closed or idled reactors after the 2011 Fukushima events. Several South Asian governments are advancing reactors built with Russian cooperation, and more than 20 African countries have active long-term nuclear plans. The interest includes larger plants and proposals for small modular reactors offered by a range of foreign suppliers. Key developments: - Japan restarted the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in January and its government has signed agreements on reactors and fuel recycling with foreign partners. - Taiwan is considering the years-long process of restarting two reactors, which officials say will require detailed inspections, safety checks and system verifications before any return to service. - Bangladesh is working to bring Russian-built reactors online and aims to add about 300 megawatts to the national grid by this summer, while Vietnam signed a deal in March for two Russian-designed reactors. - African interest is growing in small modular reactors as a response to high prices and power shortages; Kenya plans an SMR with a target online date in 2034 and more than 20 African countries have longer-term nuclear plans. - International competition for nuclear influence is active: Russia's Rosatom is involved in projects and agreements across several African states, and the United States and partners are promoting modular reactor initiatives in parts of the continent. Summary: The Iran war-related energy disruptions have prompted renewed attention to nuclear options across multiple regions, leading to restarts, new agreements and renewed planning for both large reactors and SMRs. Many projects cited require lengthy inspections, approvals or construction timelines, and the overall pace and outcomes remain undetermined at this time.