RI may start construction of nuclear power plant in 2015

Head of the National Nuclear Energy Agency (BATAN), Djarot S. Wisnusubroto, said that construction of the first nuclear power plants in the country is scheduled to begin in 2015.

Djarot was quoted by reports as saying that two regions in Bangka Belitung province including South Bangka Belitung and West Bangka Belitung have been identified as suitable locations for the planned nuclear power plants.

He said that based on the feasibility study, the government would build 10 nuclear power plants in the two regions with a combined capacity of about 10,000 MW.

Djarot said that according to a survey, about 60 percent of the country?s population supports the plan to develop nuclear power plants as it?s considered important to help resolve the power shortage problem in the country.

"BATAN has been successful in developing nuclear energy. Over the past 30 years, we have developed nuclear reactors in Serpong and maintained them safely," he added.

The government expects the nuclear power plants to be completed between 2025 and 2030. (*)