PLN designs a renewable combination energy of gas and nuclear until 2040

Jakarta—As part of Indonesia’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2060, PT PLN (Persero) is designing a long-term energy strategy that integrates renewable energy, gas and nuclear until 2040. This step is a response to the increasingly urgent energy challenges, where national energy needs continue to increase along with efforts to reduce dependence on coal and other fossil fuels.

Suroso Isnandar, Director of Risk Management at PLN, revealed that the company has developed an ambitious energy development scenario until 2040. “We plan to accelerate the use of renewable energy to reach 75 per cent of the total energy supply, with the addition of 25 per cent from gas and 2.4 GW of nuclear energy.

This is part of our commitment to support a sustainable energy transition,” Suroso said in a written statement at a seminar entitled “Indonesia Goes Nuclear: Technology Preparation and Human Resources Development” on Sunday, September 1.

The seminar, held at the PLN auditorium, was attended by various stakeholders, including academics, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the National Energy Council (DEN), and representatives from Russia’s global nuclear company, Rosatom. Boris Arseev, Rosatom’s Director of International Development and Business, led the Russian delegation at the seminar, marking the potential for international cooperation in developing nuclear energy in Indonesia.

Since Bung Karno’s presidency in the 1950s, Indonesia has initiated the development of nuclear energy. Until now, Indonesia has operated three research reactors: the TRIGA 2000 Reactor, the Kartini Reactor, and the GA Siwabessy Multipurpose Reactor. President-elect Prabowo Subianto expressed his interest in developing small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Indonesia in his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 31, 2024. SMR technology is believed to provide a solution for more efficient and environmentally friendly energy needs.

“PLN has also mapped out a plan for using Nuclear Power Plants (PLTN) in Indonesia. Large-scale nuclear power plants will be implemented in the western region, while small-scale nuclear power plants (SMR) will be developed in the eastern part of Indonesia,” Suroso explained.

The current trend globally shows a shift towards building modular reactors. BRIN has started an important step by developing an SMR design named Peluit-40, which has a capacity of 40 megawatts. This reactor generates electricity and utilises its waste heat for hydrogen production, strengthening the role of nuclear energy in Indonesia’s energy diversification.

Tri Mumpuni, a people’s energy activist who moderated the seminar, emphasised the importance of preparing competent human resources in nuclear technology.

“Facing the net-zero emissions target of 2060, Indonesia needs to utilise nuclear technology that is safe and managed by experts. Cooperation with countries with advanced nuclear technology, such as Russia, is a great opportunity for Indonesia,” Tri said.

With this planning, PLN hopes to create a more stable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable energy system while strengthening national energy security to face future challenges. (Hartatik)

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