Jakarta (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is spearheading the development of small modular nuclear reactors, aiming for a more practical and evenly distributed deployment across Indonesia.
Rohadi Awaludin, Head of Nuclear Energy Research Organization at BRIN, stated that these mini reactors, each below 300 megawatts and designed as modular units, can be produced rapidly and flexibly installed. “Given Indonesia’s archipelagic nature, we can strategically install small modular reactors at various points in addition to larger power plants,” he explained in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday (03/07/2024).
Rohadi emphasized BRIN’s dual role in advancing nuclear technology. Firstly, BRIN supports and encourages the construction of commercial nuclear power plants (NPP) by private enterprises or business entities. “For non-commercial purposes, BRIN can undertake projects independently or collaboratively with partners. We amalgamate both commercial and non-commercial aspects here. We also encourage universities, such as ITB, to produce new human resources in the nuclear field for increased productivity,” he added.
In view of expanding partnerships, Rohadi believes that the growing number of collaborators, both domestically and internationally, will strengthen nuclear energy research and technology development in Indonesia. BRIN is open to such opportunities as it advances nuclear reactor programs.
Topan Setiadipura, Head of the Nuclear Reactor Technology Research Center at BRIN, further elaborated that BRIN is exploring the development of small modular reactors with a high-temperature gas-cool reactor (HTGR). HTGR, a fourth-generation reactor, offers numerous advantages over third-generation reactors, including enhanced safety features and the generation of heat usable in industries, such as hydrogen production.
“In our discussions, we have agreed to soon test the light water reactor. However, we remain committed to subsequently conducting trials on HTGR,” Topan stated.
Nuclear energy has become a priority in Indonesia’s renewable energy agenda, aligning with the government’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. Nuclear power is recognized as a key supporter of the country’s energy sources.
