Indonesia’s 500 MW Nuclear Plan: A Game-Changer for ASEAN Energy by 2032
On May 27, 2025, Indonesia ignited global interest in its energy transition as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia unveiled plans to construct the nation’s first nuclear power plant, targeting completion by 2027 and commercial operation by 2032. The Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) for 2025–2034 now includes a 500 MW nuclear facility, a landmark for Southeast Asia’s largest economy, which seeks to diversify its 90 GW installed capacity, currently dominated by coal. This bold step supports President Prabowo Subianto’s goal to phase out coal within 15 years and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, meeting the energy needs of a population projected to reach 284.44 million in 2025. Nuclear power will deliver reliable, low-carbon electricity to remote regions in Eastern Indonesia, paving the way for a sustainable energy future across the archipelago.
Indonesia’s nuclear ambitions are gaining traction with strategic initiatives that position it as a pioneer in ASEAN’s clean energy landscape. The government is revising Law Number 10 of 1997 on Nuclear Energy to strengthen security, international cooperation, and public confidence, ensuring a solid foundation for nuclear growth. With the RUPTL nearing final approval, Indonesia is ready to lead the region in sustainable energy innovation. Projects like floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs), explored earlier this year, showcase the country’s creative approach to powering its 17,000 islands, offering a scalable solution that could inspire global energy markets.
This enthusiasm for nuclear energy is spreading across ASEAN, with several nations advancing their own plans:
Singapore: The Energy Market Authority is studying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to potentially meet 10% of its electricity needs by 2050, enhancing energy security.
Vietnam: Plans for 9 GW of nuclear capacity by 2040 have been revived, with two plants in Ninh Thuan targeted for 2030, supporting its carbon-neutral goals.
Malaysia: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has tasked MyPOWER with advancing nuclear energy, including a pre-feasibility study on SMRs for its 2050 net-zero target.
Philippines: Beyond exploring reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, new nuclear projects aim for 1,200 MW by 2032 and 4,800 MW by 2050..
Thailand: Nuclear feasibility studies under its Power Development Plan aim for carbon neutrality by 2050, reflecting a regional shift toward clean energy.
Indonesia is further strengthening its plans with the formation of a Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO), a dedicated body to streamline nuclear project development, regulation, and operation. This strategic move ensures alignment with international safety standards and fosters collaboration with global partners like Russia, the U.S., and the UK, who are eager to support Indonesia’s nuclear journey.
These developments make Asia Nuclear Business Platform 2025, taking place December 9-11 in Jakarta and hosted by the National Energy Council of Indonesia (DEN), a timely platform. This regional conference will convene 200 global leaders to explore nuclear energy’s role in ASEAN’s sustainable future. Join us to shape the region’s energy landscape. Download the brochure for more information.
