Research Institute

Institute of Nuclear Energy (INE)

INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY (INE)

Overview

The Institute of Nuclear Energy (INE) is one of six research institutes under UNITEN’s National Energy Centre (NEC). It serves as the nuclear hub of excellence for the university and its parent company, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). INE aims to lead Malaysia’s efforts in nuclear science, technology, and advocacy, contributing to national development, energy sustainability, and technological self-reliance.

The Institute of Nuclear Energy (INE) at Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) is a pivotal initiative aimed at advancing Malaysia's capabilities in nuclear science and technology. Established in May 2023, INE is dedicated to bolstering research, education, and industry collaboration in the nuclear field. INE was inaugurated to support Malaysia's aspirations toward a low-carbon future, aligning with the National Energy Policy's Low Carbon Aspirations 2050.

Vision

To be a globally recognized center of excellence in power and energy systems, advancing the frontiers of smart grids, renewable integration, and grid intelligence, through pioneering research, technological innovation, and strategic industry collaboration for a secure and sustainable energy future.

Mission

  • Conduct pioneering research across the power system value chain, from generation and transmission to distribution, DER integration, and grid modernization.
  • Translate innovation into practice by co-developing field-validated solutions with utilities, industry partners, and academic collaborators.
  • Strengthen national and regional capacity through expert training programs, technical standards development, and structured knowledge transfer.
  • Advance the global energy transition by promoting sustainable, intelligent, and low-carbon technologies across power and energy systems.

Our Research

The research at the Institute of Nuclear Energy (INE) is centred on advancing safe, sustainable, and integrated nuclear energy systems to support Malaysia’s long-term energy security and low-carbon transition.

Research Areas

Research core area include:

  1. Nuclear Power Plant Siting Study

    • INE conducts comprehensive nuclear plant siting studies incorporating geological, environmental, demographic, health, and safety considerations. These studies support evidence-based site selection and risk minimisation in compliance with international nuclear safety standards.

  2. Nuclear Battery Exploration

    • INE investigates nuclear battery concepts, focusing on long-life, low-power energy sources using radioisotopes. This research targets applications in remote sensing, space systems, medical devices, and specialised industrial equipment.

  3.  Reactor Core Design and Analysis 

    • Research in reactor core design and neutronic–thermal analysis focuses on reactor safety, performance optimisation, and fuel utilisation. This includes computational modelling to assess power distribution, reactivity behaviour, and operational safety margins.

  4. Nuclear–Hydrogen Energy Systems

    • INE explores nuclear-hydrogen coupling, where nuclear energy is utilised for large-scale hydrogen production. This research supports the development of clean hydrogen as a future energy carrier for industry, transport, and grid balancing.

  5. Radiation Dosage Assessment at Coal-Fired Power Plants (CFPP)

    • INE conducts radiation dose assessment and monitoring at coal-fired power plants to benchmark natural and technologically enhanced radiation exposure. The findings provide comparative safety data for public communication and energy policy discussions."