Indonesia Targets First Nuclear Power Plant Operational by 2032
Indonesia’s government, through its Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) 2025-2034, has targeted its first Nuclear Power Plant (PLTN) to become operational between 2032 and 2034. Secretary General of the National Energy Council (DEN) Dadan Kusdiana stated that at least 500 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power is targeted to commence operations from 2032, with potential locations identified in Sumatra or Kalimantan.
Kusdiana explained that national nuclear policy has shifted significantly, with nuclear energy no longer positioned as a last resort but rather as a balancing element in the primary energy mix to achieve net-zero emissions targets. He stated: “The RUPTL 2025-2034 target is an initial nuclear capacity of 500 megawatts. This will be distributed strategically from 2032 onwards, whether in Sumatra’s or Kalimantan’s electrical systems.”
The government intends to develop and deploy Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, which is considered ideally suited to Indonesia’s geographic characteristics as an archipelagic nation. SMRs offer placement flexibility in remote areas and integration into smaller regional electricity networks, such as industrial zones.
“For an archipelagic nation like Indonesia, SMR technology offers a transformative solution,” Kusdiana explained. “Unlike large-scale reactors, SMRs provide flexibility for placement in remote areas and integration into smaller or regional electrical networks.”
Over the long term, the government plans to increase nuclear energy capacity to 44 gigawatts (GW) by 2060. Of this total, 35 GW will be allocated to electricity generation, whilst the remaining 9 GW will support the nation’s planned hydrogen production, which is scheduled to commence in 2045.
Regarding site selection, officials have identified several potential locations across the archipelago. The government’s principle is straightforward: it will only proceed with locations meeting the strictest safety and environmental standards.