TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In a bid to support the development of nuclear power plants (PLTN), the National Nuclear Power Agency (BATAN) developed an experimental power reactor (RDE) simulator.

BATAN head Djarot Sulistyo Wisnubroto said that the simulator is reactor simulation software describing the working principal of a nuclear reactor to generate power.

"The simulator is designed to serve as a training program facility for reactor operator candidates," Djarot said on Monday, November 14, 2016.

In order to safely operate a nuclear reactor, Djarot explained, reactor operators are required to undergo a number of trainings to obtain the license.

Djarot revealed that Indonesia had planned to develop nuclear power plants since 1970, but it has not yet been realized. In 1985, a nuclear power plant development plan was pitched followed by a search for development sites in Jepara, Central Java.

Djarot added that the nuclear power plant development must consider several factors, namely the geological structure, the coastal flooding, wind velocity and direction, earthquake, weather, environment, and population.

Djarot claimed that BATAN is ready in terms of human resources.

"BATAN has 2,878 employees and 400 reactor experts. The nuclear higher school produces 70-80 graduates each year, in addition to cooperation with other universities, such as Gadjah Mada University (UGM), the University of Indonesia (UI), and Banding Institute of Technology (ITB)," Djarot said.

Geni Rina Sunaryo, head of the center for nuclear reactor safety technology at BATAN, revealed that the simulator has a capacity of 1,000 MWe, with four steam-fueled generator, primary and secondary pumps, condensers, turbins, generators, and other components.

According to Geni, the simulator development is aimed at applying nuclear science and technology concepts.

"The simulation is similar to the operation of a real nuclear reactor," Geni said.

Yusi Eko Yulianto, head of reactor operation at the BATAN’s Center for Multi-Purpose Reactors, said that his institution has conducted a review on nuclear technology and other energy sources.

Yusi added that BATAN has pitched the nuclear power plant development to the central government, by presenting results of its feasibility studies in Jepara, Kalimantan, Bangka Belitung and Banten.

MUHAMMAD KURNIANTO