US to support Indonesia in developing small modular nuclear reactors

The U.S. has pledged to assist Indonesia in accelerating the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), according to Indonesia's Presidential Office.

The commitment was made during a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Tuesday.

During the meeting, both leaders emphasized strengthening scientific and technological collaboration, including advancing SMR technology.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines SMRs as advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, about one-third the capacity of traditional nuclear reactors.

A joint statement from the meeting highlighted the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Indonesia in SMR technology development, including expediting ongoing research.

The U.S. will explore opportunities to enhance Indonesia's capabilities through nuclear evaluation programmes.

President Biden acknowledged Indonesia's critical role in the global clean energy transition.

In 2023, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a technical assistance agreement with PT PLN Indonesia Power, a subsidiary of Indonesia's state electricity company, to support nuclear energy development. This included a $2.3 million grant to assess the feasibility of an SMR in West Kalimantan.

Indonesia, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060, currently operates three nuclear reactors, exclusively for research purposes.