Myanmar to proceed with Russia-backed nuclear plant despite earthquake and war

Nuclear power project in Myanmar moves forward after deadly quake, amid civil conflict and Russian support.

Myanmar's military chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presents a book to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, on March 4, 2025. (c) Pavel Bednyakov/Reuters

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Myanmar will press ahead with the construction of a Russian-backed nuclear power plant, despite the country still reeling from a devastating earthquake and engulfed in civil war. The project, led by Russia’s state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom, involves building a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in the military-controlled Southeast Asian nation, which continues to face both natural and political instability.

The confirmation came from Rosatom in an email to Reuters, in which the company said the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar in March, killing over 3,700 people and crippling infrastructure, has not altered its nuclear plans. This initiative, centered around a proposed 110 MW SMR comprising two 55 MW RITM-200N reactors, underscores a deepening partnership between the junta and Russia, one of the few international allies the embattled military regime can count on.

Rosatom says safety measures meet international standards

"The recent earthquake has not affected Rosatom's plans in Myanmar," the company said, highlighting that their reactors are built with "strict seismic resistance requirements" and in compliance with international safety standards. The company, however, did not disclose the construction timeline or the precise location of the nuclear facility. It also confirmed that the reactor units to be used in Myanmar were initially designed for use aboard Russian icebreaker vessels.

This nuclear collaboration between Myanmar and Russia was formalized shortly before the earthquake, when junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an agreement for nuclear cooperation. Despite the chaos in the aftermath of the quake, including thousands of deaths and severe damage in the capital Naypyitaw, the nuclear agreement appears to be moving forward undeterred.

Strategic alliance amid deepening civil war

Myanmar’s shift toward nuclear energy comes at a time of intensified civil war. Since the military ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, the junta has faced widespread armed resistance, losing control over large swaths of territory. More than 3.5 million people have been displaced across the country, and the agrarian economy has been severely disrupted.

Against this backdrop, the junta’s alignment with Russia has grown stronger. With diplomatic isolation from much of the international community, Myanmar has turned to Moscow for military hardware, political support, and now nuclear technology.

Rosatom indicated that Myanmar is currently exploring financing options for the nuclear project, noting that “this may involve both own and borrowed funds.” In past nuclear projects in countries like Bangladesh and Egypt, Russia has extended loans at preferential rates to fund similar ventures.

Speculation grows around nuclear plant site

While the location of the proposed Myanmar nuclear plant remains unconfirmed, Thai security officials monitoring the situation believe Naypyitaw is a leading candidate. The capital, although heavily damaged by the earthquake, is a fortified and centrally located city. Two alternative locations under consideration are the central Bago region and the Dawei Special Economic Zone in the south, where Myanmar and Russia also plan to construct a port and an oil refinery.

Rosatom has not commented on these location assessments. A spokesperson for Myanmar’s military junta did not respond to Reuters' inquiries.

Nuclear ambitions in a seismic zone

Myanmar sits on the boundary of two tectonic plates, making it one of the most earthquake-prone nations in Southeast Asia. The prospect of building a nuclear power plant in such a volatile region has raised alarms among regional observers, though Rosatom has assured that its designs adhere to seismic safety protocols.

The region's history with nuclear energy has been mixed. The only completed nuclear facility in Southeast Asia—the 621 MW Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in the Philippines—was mothballed in 1986 following the Chornobyl disaster. Other countries in the region, including the Philippines and Indonesia, have floated nuclear proposals but made little progress. Vietnam recently revived its interest in nuclear power after suspending its plans in 2016.

Russia’s long-term educational influence

Russia's cooperation with Myanmar on nuclear technology extends beyond construction. Since 2019, Burmese students have been studying nuclear engineering and related disciplines at Russian universities under government-sponsored programs. This academic pipeline is part of a long-term strategy to cultivate nuclear expertise within Myanmar’s future workforce.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, SMRs like the ones proposed for Myanmar are notable for their modular nature. Their components can be assembled and transported as a single unit, allowing for easier deployment in remote or unstable areas—a key advantage for Myanmar, where conflict and infrastructure limitations present serious logistical hurdles.

Experts question economic and political viability

While Rosatom insists the technology is sound and safe, analysts have cast doubt on whether the project is realistic or sustainable. “I do not foresee any complication, technology-wise,” said Doonyapong Wongsawaeng, a nuclear engineering lecturer at Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University. “The main challenge would instead be the continuous commitment from the Myanmar government.”

Others, like Richard Horsey, senior Myanmar adviser at the International Crisis Group, argue that the nuclear plan is economically irrational. “Nuclear power is very expensive, and Myanmar simply can't afford it,” he said. He pointed out that the junta is currently prioritizing natural gas exports to earn much-needed foreign currency rather than investing in affordable domestic power generation.

A high-stakes gamble

With Myanmar’s economy in shambles, its government besieged by armed resistance, and public trust at an all-time low, the decision to pursue a costly, complex, and long-term nuclear power project is a high-stakes gamble. If completed, it would mark a major milestone in the country’s energy history. But as violence continues to engulf the nation, the practical hurdles of building and operating a nuclear facility may prove insurmountable.

Still, for the junta, aligning with Russia and showcasing a high-profile energy project may serve as a symbol of defiance and survival in a deeply fractured nation. Whether this vision will materialize remains uncertain, but for now, the Myanmar nuclear plant—despite the war and earthquake—remains very much on the table.