PT PAL Indonesia and Thorcon International are currently studying the construction of a 500 megawatt (MW) nuclear power plant (PLTN ). However, building the plant requires permission from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
Thorcon Indonesia Chief Representative Bob S. Effendi met the ESDM Research and Development Agency (Balitbang) on July 17th, to review the implementation of nuclear power plants. The hope is that this July the study can be completed. The objective is to build a nuclear power plant operational by 2027.
For the moment, PNTL is facing the Government Regulation (PP) Number 79 of 2014 concerning the National Energy Policy (KEN). Nuclear is the last option in the renewable energy mix. Nuclear power is even not included in the Electricity Supply Provision Business Plan (RUPTL).
The PNTL is using Molten Salt Thorium technology. The raw material used comes from thorium thawed so that it does not cause pressure in the tube. This technology is safer in the event of a natural disaster. Meanwhile, Indonesia has thorium, which is abundant in Bangka Island and Kalimantan. The PAL and Thorcon planned the construction of a 174 by 66 meters floating nuclear power plant. Daewoo Shipyard and Marine Engineering (DSME) in South Korea will build the ship. Whereas for reactors and other supporting components made by PT PAL. This project will start in 2020. The investment costs incurred amounted to US $ 1.2 billion, equivalent to Rp. 17 trillion.
