US Vice President Kamala Harris said today, Saturday, that the United States will help Thailand develop its nuclear capabilities by providing a new type of small reactor, as part of a program aimed at combating climate change.
The White House indicated that this assistance is part of the "Net Zero World" initiative, a project launched last year during the climate summit in Glasgow, Britain. Under the umbrella of this program, Washington is establishing partnerships with the private sector and donors to promote the use of clean energy.
The White House said it would provide technical support to Thailand - which does not produce nuclear energy - to use advanced technology for small modular reactors, which are manufactured in factories and portable.
These reactors are generally safer, because they do not require human intervention to shut them down in an emergency.
standards and safety
A statement issued by the White House stated that the American experts will work with the Thai authorities to establish reactors "with the highest standards of safety, security and (nuclear) non-proliferation", with a smaller area compared to conventional nuclear plants.
US rivals China and Russia, along with Argentina, are developing small modular reactors whose prototypes are still in the design stage.
The White House did not set a timetable for aid measures for Thailand, but stressed that it would support the Asian country, which is highly vulnerable to the repercussions of climate change, in achieving its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2065.
This pledge came during the visit of the US Vice President to Thailand to participate in the summit of leaders of the Asia-Pacific Forum (APEC), which began on Thursday and ended today, Saturday.