Indonesia accelerates nuclear power plant development

Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is seeking to hasten the development of nuclear power plants in the country.

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliot Tanjung, issues a statement after a meeting with Commission XII of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on January 23, 2025. Photo courtesy of Antara.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung announced on Thursday that the development of nuclear power plants is being accelerated to 2029 instead of the initiate target of 2032.

This is part of the Indonesian Government’s efforts to support the energy transition, he said. However, the development of nuclear power plants is still being studied by the government, and the ministry has not yet determined the companies it will partner with to develop the nuclear power plants.

Based on the National Electricity General Plan (RUKN) 2025-2060, the national power plant capacity is projected to reach 443 gigawatts (GW) by 2060, with 79% of the capacity derived from new and renewable energy.

Before developing them, Indonesia will need to establish the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementation Organisation (NEPIO).

According to Eniya Listiana Dewi, director general of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, this organization will play an important role in monitoring the development of nuclear power plants.

Currently, the draft presidential decree on the establishment of NEPIO is being discussed at the ministry, she said, adding that she expects it to be launched soon.