2 min read –
Nuclear Power Energy –
A Good or Bad Idea? –
For Indonesia –
Economics is the social science that studies how individuals, businesses, governments, and societies allocate resources to satisfy wants and needs.
Economics examines decision-making processes related to the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
As explained by American economist Jeremy Rifkin: Energy is the foundation of all economic activity.
If you’re French, I advise listening to Charles Gave, who often says that :
« Economics is transformed energy. »
One gram of uranium in nuclear fission releases energy comparable to 2 or 3 tons of oil.
Therefore, the development of nuclear power appears to be a viable strategy for a country with increasing electricity needs.
The world’s top 5 countries producing nuclear energy are :
United States: 100 GW (gigawatt)
94 reactors.
Nuclear power accounts for approximately 20% of the country’s electricity.
France: 64 GW
56 reactors.
Nuclear is about 70% of the country’s electricity, the highest share globally.
China: 58 GW
55 reactors, with 25 more under construction (adding 30 GW).
Nuclear power contributed 5% to its electricity mix in 2023.
Plans to add 118 GW (150 new reactors) by 2035.
Russia: 30 GW
37 reactors.
Generating about 20% of its electricity.
Has 20 GW of additional capacity planned.
South Korea: 27 GW
27 reactors.
Producing 30% of its electricity.
A key player in Asia’s nuclear landscape.
Indonesia has no nuclear power for now.
Its total installed power capacity is about 94 GW, consisting of :
Coal: ~35 GW (37%)
Gas: ~20 GW (22%)
Hydro: ~6 GW (7%)
Diesel: ~5 GW (5%)
Geothermal: ~2 GW (2%)
Indonesia is pursuing nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand (up 90% since 2010).
The government aims to integrate nuclear power into its energy mix, targeting cleaner energy and reduced carbon emissions.
Indonesia plans to have its first nuclear power plant operational by 2029–2032.
The first plant, a 500 MW thorium-based molten salt reactor (MSR) by ThorCon (USA), is planned for Kelasa Island, Bangka Belitung, with a prototype expected by 2028.
Long-term goals
➡️ involve more countries and other technologies
➡️ include 4 to 10 GW by 2035–2040 and up to 54 GW by 2060
(comparable to current coal and gas capacity)
Indonesia plans to leverage its domestic thorium and uranium resources, particularly thorium from tin mining in Bangka Belitung.
Do you think Indonesia’s nuclear power program is a good idea?
Let us know your opinion in the comments! (go to the LinkedIn post, link below).
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Sources: World Nuclear Association, BAPETEN, Statista; Rifkin’s The Third Industrial Revolution.