Indonesia Aims to Accelerate Nuclear Power Development by 2029 to Meet Renewable Targets

JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Indonesia plans to fast-track development of nuclear power plants starting in 2029 as part of a sweeping effort to meet its renewable energy targets, Deputy Energy Minister Yuliot Tanjung said Thursday Jan 23, 2025, though the initiative faces early hurdles with no private investors yet committed.

The move aligns with the National Electricity General Plan 2025-2060, which targets boosting Indonesia’s power generation capacity to 443 gigawatts by 2060—79% of it from renewables. Nuclear energy is slated to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap as Southeast Asia’s largest economy phases out fossil fuels.

“The required capacity is massive, and our studies show nuclear must be accelerated between 2029 and 2032 to meet targets,” Tanjung told lawmakers during a meeting at Jakarta’s parliamentary complex. He stressed the need for a “diverse energy mix” but acknowledged the program remains in its infancy, with no companies or investors formally engaged. “This is still a government-led study,” he said.

The ministry earlier outlined plans to bring Indonesia’s first nuclear plant online by 2032 with a 250-megawatt capacity, though critical details—including the facility’s location—remain unresolved. Eniya Listiani Dewi, director-general of new and renewable energy, said the draft National Energy Policy now includes nuclear as a formal component, marking a policy shift for a nation long hesitant to adopt the technology.

The push underscores Indonesia’s struggle to balance rising electricity demand with climate commitments. While the country has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, renewable projects have lagged due to regulatory delays and funding gaps. Hydropower and geothermal plants currently dominate its green energy portfolio, but officials argue nuclear is essential to stabilize the grid as solar and wind capacity expands.

Indonesia’s government has yet to specify funding mechanisms or potential partners for the projects. Neighboring countries like Malaysia and Vietnam have shelved nuclear plans in recent years over cost and safety concerns, leaving China and South Korea as the region’s primary developers.

The energy ministry said it will finalize the nuclear roadmap by late 2025. For now, the clock is ticking: Indonesia’s renewable mix stands at just 12.5%, far below its 23% target for 2025.