Nuclear power has been stated as the final “resort” of Indonesia’s energy sources. Nevertheless, Indonesia should bring up this energy to diversify the national energy mix and strengthen energy security.
The
latest report from the World Energy Council (WEC) explains that Indonesia has
enhanced its energy mix diversification. However, the reliance on fossil fuels
is still dominant.
This
situation seems counterproductive with the National Energy Master Plan.
According to the plan, new and renewable energy (NRE) sources are targeted to
meet at least 23% of the total energy mix by 2025 and at least 31% in 2050.
Meanwhile, NRE sources only take less than 12% of the total energy mix by 2020.
Therefore, massive efforts should be made to complete the plan’s objectives,
and promoting nuclear power may lead to the answer needed.
Nuclear
and its Baneful Reputation
Nuclear
power, a giant in a small room, offers its capability to produce an enormous
electricity supply for the nation. Besides, nuclear power has been used for
various purposes, including industry, medical, and plantation. On the other
hand, its presence still runs a long-running controversy among stakeholders,
academicians, and the public.
The
tagline of “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) indicates the low social acceptance of
nuclear power as a potential energy source, especially in developing countries.
Indonesia’s position in the ring of fire regions and multiple accidents in
Japan, the USA, and Ukraine have increased the public’s anxiety and amplified
nuclear power rejection. That is why nuclear power is put as the last option in
Indonesia’s energy mix.
Furthermore,
the progressive drop in renewables power generation costs seems to affirm the
dark cloud above nuclear power development. International Renewable Energy
Agency (IRENA) reports electricity costs from renewables have fallen sharply
over the past decade, driven by improving technologies, economies of scale,
increasingly competitive supply chains, and growing developer experience. In
2019, for example, 72% of additional electricity worldwide was generated from
renewable sources.
If this
condition continues in the future, then the competition between renewables and
fossil fuels power generation will be even fiercer and has the potential to
play down the opportunity for nuclear power to be implemented in Indonesia.
All eyes
on nuclear power
As a
developing country, Indonesia is undoubtedly considering various energy sources
to meet the national demand and strengthen its energy security. This situation
is crucial to support its economic growth and sustainable development.
According
to the Indonesia energy council, the electricity demand in 2025 will grow 11%
to 12% and 6% to 7% in 2050. The energy
demand until 2050 will be dominated by households, followed by industry and
commercial sectors. These projections should be addressed by promoting more
sustainable and clean energy sources. However, relying on renewables solely as
a baseload in Indonesia is unfavorable considering its intermittency and geographical
barriers. Thus, nuclear power should be encouraged as a baseload, clean, and
sustainable energy source.
Although
multiple nuclear accidents have occurred, it does not reduce global interests
in presenting nuclear power in their country. The United Arab Emirates, one of
the giant oil producers, already commits to building four nuclear reactors,
which will supply 25% of its electricity. Other countries, such as Turkey,
Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia, are also committed to developing their nuclear
power projects.
In the
USA, where nuclear power represents 20% of total annual electricity generation,
two of “the world’s most advanced” commercial reactors are being constructed in
Waynesboro, Georgia. These projects are projected to prevent 10 million metric
tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and generate 800 permanent jobs.
The
future in nuclear power shows signs of auspicious with small and medium
reactors (SMRs). SMRs are gaining popularity internationally as a potential
viable nuclear option to contribute to mitigating climate change. SMRs also
show economically viable through modularization technology, shorter
construction time, and advanced safety assessments. With the development of
nuclear technology, nuclear projects’ economics will be even more attractive in
the future.
The
Resolution
Nuclear
power should no longer be “left-behind” as a prominent energy source in
Indonesia. Some SMR designs (microreactors) can even replace diesel generators,
for example, in small islands or remote communities. This condition is suitable
for archipelago countries like Indonesia. Therefore, the collaboration between
governments, international partners, and academicians are essential in
actualizing commercial nuclear power.
Indonesia’s
government can follow Joe Biden’s steps by encouraging clear energy as a
national effort and considering reviving nuclear power. First, Indonesia
requires a political decision to enable nuclear power development. The decision
should predicate safety management issues and secure the uranium sources,
domestically and internationally. Several Indonesia regions indicate uranium
availability, but it requires a comprehensive assessment to identify its total
resources.
Then,
Indonesia should invite the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to design
a nuclear power road map. Also, Indonesia may request technical assistance from
the leading countries in nuclear development, such as Japan and the USA.
Finally, Indonesia needs to enact supporting policies that include fiscal and
non-fiscal incentives.
Indonesian
academicians can also accelerate the program by enhancing their research by
highlighting technology, economic, and safety assessments. They can also
promote nuclear power by creating eye-catching and easy-to-digest messages to
enrich public understanding. In the end, public acceptance will play a key role
in presenting nuclear power in Indonesia.
**Filda
C. Yusgiantoro, Ph.D., a Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center chairperson, and an
economic lecturer in Prasetya Mulya University.
***Dewa
Raditya Margenta, Researcher at Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center, a think tank that
focuses on Energy and Defense Sectors research
https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2021/03/26/does-nuclear-power-have-a-chance-in-indonesia/