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2d ago

Indonesia Pushes for First Small Nuclear Reactor on Borneo, Seeks Global Partners

The initiative forms part of a broader plan to cut coal use with 40–54 GW of nuclear capacity slated by 2060.

Indonesia is hoping going nuclear can help it meet soaring energy demand while taming emissions
Indonesia has three research reactors, but no nuclear power plants for electricity
Countries are growing or retaining nuclear capacity as they struggle to meet net-zero goals to combat climate change
The government has not said how much it expects the nuclear ramp-up to cost

Overview

  • The government has identified 29 potential sites outside Java, prioritizing low seismic-risk regions in East Sumatra and Kalimantan.
  • Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the first small modular reactor is expected to be operational on Borneo by 2030 or 2032 as part of efforts to meet the 40–54 GW target by 2060.
  • Russia’s Rosatom, China’s CNNC and Canada’s Candu Canada have expressed interest in supplying reactors, and officials have held preliminary talks with France’s EDF ahead of President Macron’s visit.
  • Analysts warn that domestic expertise gaps, seismic and volcanic hazards along the “Ring of Fire,” waste management logistics and budget constraints could slow or derail the nuclear rollout.
  • Some experts remain skeptical that Indonesia can deploy nuclear power at scale within ten years and recommend prioritizing expansion of solar and wind capacity.