Indonesia Prepares Regulation for Uranium Processing to Support Nuclear Power Plant Development

Strategic Insights -

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, is preparing a regulation to process uranium, primarily found in West Kalimantan, to support the development of nuclear power plants (NPPs). According to Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung, the regulation aims to facilitate the purification of radioactive material processing. The government is also preparing a licensing system for radioactive mining businesses, which require stricter supervision. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (Bapeten), and the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry will be involved in processing uranium for NPP development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indonesian government is preparing a regulation to process uranium found in West Kalimantan to support the development of nuclear power plants (NPPs).
  • The regulation aims to facilitate the purification of radioactive material processing and will involve the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (Bapeten), and the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry.
  • The government is also preparing a licensing system for radioactive mining businesses, which require stricter supervision.
  • The National Power Development Plan (RUPTL) for the 2025-2034 period identifies uranium, hydropower, biomass, biogas, and coal as potential energy sources in West Kalimantan.
  • The uranium potential of Melawi Regency, West Kalimantan, is 24,112 tons, according to the RUPTL.
  • The government plans to build a nuclear power plant with a 250-megawatt (MW) capacity in Sumatra and a 250-MW capacity in Kalimantan.
  • The construction of the NPP is part of the government's commitment to increase new and renewable energy utilization.
  • The government aims to add 69.5 gigawatts (GW) of new power plant capacity by 2034.
  • Renewable energy-based power plants will account for 61% of the additional capacity, with fossil-based power plants making up 24%.

Statistics:

  • 24,112 tons: The uranium potential of Melawi Regency, West Kalimantan.
  • 250 MW: The planned capacity of the nuclear power plant in Sumatra.
  • 250 MW: The planned capacity of the nuclear power plant in Kalimantan.
  • 69.5 GW: The target for additional power plant capacity by 2034.
  • 42.6 GW: The planned capacity of renewable energy-based power plants.
  • 10.3 GW: The planned capacity of fossil-based power plants, including gas and coal.
  • 61%: The proportion of additional power plants using renewable energy.
  • 24%: The proportion of additional power plants using fossil resources.
  • 15%: The proportion of additional power plants using energy storage.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources
  • Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung
  • National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
  • Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (Bapeten)
  • Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry
  • Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) prepared by PT PLN for the 2025-2034 period
  • Antara News