Archive · 27 May 2025
Indonesia Plans Nuclear Push to Boost Energy, Cut Emissions
Indonesia is planning to use nuclear power to help provide more electricity and reduce pollution.
They aim to have their first small nuclear reactor by 2032.
They have already been experimenting with nuclear energy since 1965.
The government wants a large portion of its future electricity to come from nuclear.
They plan to build reactors on the island of Borneo.
They are looking for help from other countries because they don't have much experience.
Some people think it will be hard to build nuclear plants quickly, and others want to focus on renewable energy instead.
Indonesia aims to deploy nuclear power to increase energy production and reduce emissions.
The country targets having its first small modular reactor operational by 2032.
The government plans for nuclear to generate 40-54GW of electricity by 2060.
Indonesia has identified 29 potential sites for nuclear plants, primarily outside Java.
Experts and environmentalists have expressed skepticism about the timeline and favor renewable energy.
- Who
- The Indonesian government, with potential international investors including Russia, China, and others.
- What
- Indonesia is seeking to expand its energy production and reduce emissions by developing nuclear power plants.
- When
- First reactor planned for 2030 or 2032. Net-zero target by 2050.
- Where
- Indonesia, particularly in areas outside Java.
- Why
- To ensure energy security and meet commitments to eliminate coal-powered electricity and achieve net-zero emissions.
Environmentalists and Skeptics
Government and Proponents
Energy Source
Environmentalists and Skeptics
Prioritize renewable sources like solar and wind.
Government and Proponents
Nuclear power is a necessary step to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero goals.
Timeline
Environmentalists and Skeptics
Indonesia's nuclear timeline is overambitious.
Government and Proponents
The government can deploy nuclear power at a significant scale within the next ten years.
- Target date for first small modular reactor
- 2032
- Nuclear power target by 2060
- 40-54 GW
- Potential locations identified for nuclear power plants
- 29
- First reactor planned location
- Borneo
- Current primary energy source
- Coal (two-thirds)
- Indonesia's target
- Net-zero emissions