Government to set up organization for nuclear energy program

The government plans to set up this year a nuclear energy program implementation organization (NEPIO) as the country aims to develop nuclear power plant to help meet growing electricity demand.

Director General of New and Renewable Energy Rida Mulyana was quoted by Kontan as saying Thursday that NEPIO will implement the country?s nuclear energy program. Members would comprise of representatives from various ministries and government institutions. A presidential decree will be issued as legal basis for the organization.

Rida said that the country will need nuclear power plant as even development of conventional sources of energy such as coal, geothermal, hydro and others are rushed, it would not be enough to meet the surge in power demand, which is projected to reach 150 GW in 2025, compared to current supply of 50 GW.

The government hopes to be able to complete the construction of a 5,000 MW nuclear power plant in Bangka Belitung in 2024. (*)