Certain ASEAN Member States have plans and are taking steps to develop nuclear power capacity as part of their long-term energy planning. The risk of a nuclear accident with transboundary consequences is evidently of serious concern to neighbouring states. From the perspective of a potentially risk-exposed neighbour, the opportunity to engage in transboundary consultation to better understand the risk posed by such plans and raise any concerns will undoubtedly be a critical confidence-building measure. At present, ASEAN does not have a region-wide framework that provides for such transboundary consultation. This paper analyses the normative support for transboundary consultation (through the use of mechanisms such as environmental assessments) at the international level and at the ASEAN level within two specific contexts: (i) a state’s national decision to embark on a nuclear power programme; and (ii) the siting of a nuclear power plant. It evaluates options to strengthen the overall normative basis at the ASEAN level that flow from this analysis, in light of challenges and opportunities facing ASEAN.

DOWNLOAD PDF