Indonesia to Build Mini Nuclear Power Plants

Liputan6.com, Jakarta As energy reserves becoming scarce, the government feels the need to construct nuclear power plant (PLTN) for its substitution. The Minister of Research and Technology (MENRISTEK) M Nasir requests for The National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN) to immediately develop small capacity of nuclear power plants which should be completed by 2017. This is to show the public that nuclear energy is very beneficial as a source of electricity supply.

“Later in an area in Serpon, Tangerang Selatan, we can build a reactor that can generate 10 megawatts to 20 megawatts worth of electricity. Think of the budget for the span of three years,” Said M Nasir at BATAN’s 56^th birthday in Serpong, Friday (5/12/2014).

Through to 2019, Nasir hopes the reactors can be one of the facilities which the society can go to and educate themselves. The development of mini reactors will strengthen the public acceptance of nuclear energy significance to meet the electricity needs in Indonesia.

Up until now, the society still views nuclear in a negative light. This is predominantly because the word ‘nuclear’ is very much associated with weapons of mass destructions (WMD).

“The areas around the laboratories can be transformed into recreation center. We have to create a friendly and non- threatening environment for people to come,” he explained.

Responding to Nasir’s demand, the head of The National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN), Djarot Sulistio Wisnubroto expresses his readiness to build the mini nuclear reactors (PLTN) in the Serpong area which will be done by 2017 as directed by the minister.

As long as the government is ready to monetarily provide the development and the licensing process, the construction of mini power plants can begin.

“The minister has asked for the ones with 10-20 MW worth of capacity. But I personally assume that 10 MW is enough for now, because it is still a trial,” he answered.

According to Djarot, the cost of constructing the nuclear power plants which will start in 2015 will be around Rp 1.6 trillion and takes about five years for it to finally become fully active. (Akp/Ein)