# Charles Santiago Advocates for Solar Over Nuclear Investment in Malaysia
*Author: Solar PV Expert | Category: news | Published: Wed Jun 10 2026 09:23:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)*

### English
* **Renewable Energy Target**: Former MP Charles Santiago urges Malaysia to increase its renewable energy target to 50% by 2030, labeling the current 35% goal insufficient.
* **Opposition to Nuclear**: Santiago raised concerns regarding the high costs (up to US$3 billion/RM12 billion) and complex regulatory hurdles associated with nuclear energy, specifically small modular reactors for data centers.
* **Solar as Priority**: Instead of nuclear, funds should be redirected toward expanding Malaysia’s solar energy ecosystem to ensure long-term energy independence.
* **Global Challenges**: Panellists highlighted that developing nations struggle with energy transitions due to crippling national debt and the continued political influence of the fossil fuel industry.

### 中文
* **可再生能源目标**：前国会议员查尔斯·圣地亚哥（Charles Santiago）敦促马来西亚将2030年的可再生能源目标提高至50%，认为现有的35%目标不足以应对能源需求。
* **反对核能**：圣地亚哥对核能的高昂成本（高达30亿美元/120亿令吉）以及与小型模块化反应堆（主要针对数据中心）相关的复杂监管障碍表示担忧。
* **优先发展太阳能**：他建议，应将原本计划投入核能的资金重新配置，用于扩大马来西亚的太阳能生态系统，以保障长期的能源自主。
* **全球挑战**：与会专家指出，发展中国家因沉重的债务负担以及化石燃料行业持续的政治影响力，在能源转型过程中面临巨大困难。