Indonesia’s nuclear pivot signals shift in regional energy dynamics. (Photo: Wiki Commons)
To boost its low-carbon energy mix, the Indonesian government plans to sign agreements for 10 GW of nuclear power capacity within the next five years. The initiative may involve investments from the newly established sovereign wealth fund, Danantara.
Reports also suggest that nuclear power targets will be included in the upcoming revision of the National Electricity Supply Plan (RUPTL), with the first two plants expected to be built in West Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung.
Jakarta targets 10GW nuclear capacity in 2040
Indonesia, one of the world’s major greenhouse gas emitters, aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Currently, renewables make up less than 20% of the energy mix.
In an interview with Reuters, Indonesia’s climate envoy Hashim Djojohadikusumo stated that the country’s total power generation capacity is expected to double by 2040, with low-carbon energy sources gradually replacing fossil fuels.
Hashim further explained that the government plans to add 103 GW of power capacity by 2040, with more than 70% coming from renewables such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. Natural gas would contribute 18 GW, and nuclear power is expected to supply 10 GW.
Despite the government's commitment to energy transition, Hashim emphasized the need to balance this with economic growth—especially as President Prabowo Subianto has recently called for raising Indonesia’s GDP growth from the current 5% to 8%. With coal still dominating the electricity supply and much of the energy sector under the control of senior government officials, expanding low-carbon energy remains a significant challenge.
Hashim also noted that five international companies have expressed interest in investing in Indonesia’s nuclear power sector. These include Russia’s Rosatom, China National Nuclear Corporation, the UK’s Rolls-Royce, France’s EDF, and the US-based small modular reactor (SMR) developer NuScale Power.
Indonesia to reveal new national power plan
Bob Effendi, COO of ThorCon Indonesia—the local unit of US-based advanced nuclear developer ThorCon—shared on social media that the revised National Electricity Supply Plan is expected to be released in the coming weeks. He indicated that the plan will outline a two-phase approach to nuclear deployment, with the first reactors—each with a 250 MW capacity—to be located in West Kalimantan and Bangka Belitung.
Effendi also mentioned that Indonesia’s nuclear development strategy will likely involve both large-scale reactors and SMRs, aligning with earlier statements from Hashim. According to Hashim, full-scale nuclear plants are better suited for western Indonesia, while floating SMRs are more appropriate for the eastern regions.
Thorcon International proposed 500 MW floating nuclear plant in Indonesia. (Image: ThorCon)
Effendi pointed out that although many countries are actively pursuing partnerships for Indonesia’s nuclear projects, the United States and Japan appear to have taken a more passive stance. He speculated that this might be due to waning interest or the complexity of navigating Indonesia’s nuclear landscape.
Source: Reuters
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