Indonesia Opens Doors to More SMR Projects: Wants to Co-Develop SMR Technologies Which Are Still In Development Stage
Indonesia has set a goal to reach net zero emissions by 2060. To do so, it must transition away from fossil fuels, which currently provide 85% of its energy. Nuclear power presents a promising carbon-free energy source to help Indonesia meet its climate goals. However, developing nuclear capabilities requires global partnerships to enable knowledge sharing, technological advancement, regulatory alignment, and capacity building.
Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is currently working on developing human resources, technological capabilities, and zoning as part of preparing a nuclear power development strategy for Indonesia.
Recent Developments in the Nuclear Energy Project
A collaboration is underway between BRIN, PLN Indonesia Power, and NuScale Power Corporation to evaluate the feasibility of implementing NuScale's SMR technology in West Kalimantan. The companies have established an agreement to conduct a techno-economic assessment for constructing SMRs to support the region's electricity grid. Starting in August 2023, the 8-month activity aims to analyze the technology's performance and cost-effectiveness for application in West Kalimantan. The collaboration aims to assess the viability of NuScale's SMR technology in West Kalimantan for carbon-free power generation, considering technical, economic, and regulatory factors. The study will provide valuable insights for Indonesia's energy future and emission reduction efforts.
The SMR study with PLN Indonesia Power is based on NuScale’s VOYGR-6 series, which is based on reactor modules with each module equivalent to a capacity of 77 Mwe. The NuScale Power Module design is based on proven pressurized water-cooled reactor (PWR) technology, and was developed to supply energy for power generation, district heating, desalination, commercial-scale hydrogen production and other process heat applications.
Currently in Indonesia, several regional governments are offering their regions to develop nuclear power plants, one of them being West Kalimantan. The enthusiasm shown by various regions in Indonesia to have nuclear power bodes well for potentially more demonstration projects in the country using various SMR technologies.
BRIN Open to Co-Developing SMRs Design
Indonesia is exploring small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) as a potential nuclear technology to help meet the country's rising energy demand and reduce carbon emissions. The government aims to potentially start utilizing SMRs by 2039 or even sooner.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are considered a suitable option for Indonesia due to their smaller size and modular design. Indonesia is a vast country with dispersed energy demand across numerous islands and remote regions. SMRs' small, scalable capacity can provide an energy solution well-suited for Indonesia's geographic challenges. However, most SMR designs are still in development, though some claim near-term deployment potential.
In a recent interview with NBP, BRIN’s Head of the Research Center for Nuclear Reactor Technology, Dr. Topan Setiadipura, he highlighted that BRIN can act as a co-developer of reactor designs and has the privilege to build a non-commercial reactor based on Indonesia's Number 10 1997 Nuclear Energy Act. BRIN is open to cooperating with global vendors to finalize reactor designs that are works in progress. This co-ownership approach could accelerate Indonesia's SMR deployment timeline.
During the interview, Dr. Setiadipura also touched on:
Indonesia's Infrastructure and Readiness for SMRs
BRIN's Role as a Technical Support Organization (TSO)
Opportunities for global SMR vendors in Indonesia
Watch the full interview below.
Dr. Setiadipura has over 15 years of experience working as a researcher in nuclear energy at the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) in Indonesia, now BRIN. He also serves as the Indonesian Representative to the IAEA for the Technical Working Group on Gas-Cooled Reactors and the Steering Committee of INPRO.
As Indonesia sets its sights on a future powered by clean and sustainable nuclear energy, the global nuclear industry should take note. The potential for collaboration and innovation in Indonesia's nuclear journey is not only an opportunity for the nation but also a beacon for the international nuclear community.
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