TEMPO.CO, Sochi - Russia's state-run nuclear company, Rosatom State Corporation, offered cooperation to build a floating nuclear power plant (NPP) for Indonesia.

“Rosatom is ready to provide you (Indonesia) with floating nuclear power plants,” said Rosatom First Deputy CEO Kirill Komarov during a press conference at the Atomexpo Forum XII in Sochi, Russia, on Tuesday, November 22, 2022.

Komarov acknowledged that Indonesia already has floating power plants in the form of power generator ships stationed on islands. However, the power plant still uses fossil fuels, such as coal and gas.

Advantages of NPP

Komarov argued that his company could offer a floating power plant with a nuclear reactor because nuclear is a clean and low-carbon energy source. “Their main advantage is that they can produce pure green energy at an absolutely predictable price,” he said.

Quoting from the Nuclear Energy Monitoring Agency, the discourse on the construction of a floating nuclear power plant was brought up several years ago. However, the plan has not been realized to date.

Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Minister Arifin Tasrif stated in early July 2022 that a number of foreign energy companies were interested in developing the nuclear power plant industry in the country. Bilateral cooperation offers in terms of nuclear development did not only come from Russia, but also from other countries.

“We will see which one is competitive and reliable. The need for a new nuclear power plant will begin in 2040 based on the energy roadmap we have designed,” said Arifin on Monday, July 4, 2022.

As previously reported, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his interest in developing a nuclear energy industry in Indonesia after meeting with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. Putin claimed Rosatom, which has the experience, competence, and technology, is willing to be involved in such a joint project.

FRISKI RIANA | ANTARA

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