Indonesia Advances Nuclear Energy Initiative with Support from the U.S. and Japan

The Indonesian government is making significant strides in its nuclear energy ambitions, having recently completed a feasibility study for its first nuclear power project in collaboration with the United States and Japan. Chief Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto highlighted the potential of small modular reactor (SMR) technology to bolster the nation’s energy transition and stimulate long-term economic growth.

The planned SMR is designed to have a capacity of 70 megawatts and is projected to be constructed within four years. However, Airlangga cautioned that the plant is unlikely to commence operations before 2029 due to the inherent complexities of nuclear development, which typically spans seven to eight years.

At a recent green initiative conference in Jakarta, Airlangga announced that the memoranda of understanding with the U.S. and Japan are already established, paving the way for the construction licensing phase. In March 2023, the strategic partnership between the United States and Indonesia was formalized, focusing specifically on SMR deployment.

This agreement was accompanied by a grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to assess the technical and economic feasibility of a proposed nuclear facility in West Kalimantan.

In tandem with this development, Indonesia has actively engaged with Japan since signing a memorandum of understanding in March 2015, fostering cooperation in nuclear energy. The country aims to commission its first nuclear power plant by 2034, with plans for a facility capable of generating up to 500 megawatts across Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Interest in Indonesia's nuclear energy program is also gathering momentum from other nations, including Canada and Russia, as noted by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia. He indicated that four to five countries have expressed interest in contributing to Indonesia’s nuclear energy landscape, which is currently under review.

Indonesia’s nuclear development initiative is integral to its electricity supply work plan for 2025-2034, which aims to add 69.5 gigawatts of generation capacity from renewable and low-emission sources. As the country charts its path toward energy diversification, nuclear power is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing energy security and supporting Indonesia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.