Indonesia's experimental power reactor program (RDE)

Abstract

The experimental power reactor program (RDE) was created to introduce Indonesia to nuclear power plants (NPP). This was done by building a prototype of a non-commercial 10 MWth power reactor. The RDE program aims to show the public that Indonesian engineers can design reactors that can supply enough electricity and steam to support industrial needs. The technology used is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. The RDE program is a strategic and intermediate target for the country’s energy security and national sovereignty. In the long term, the development of this RDE-based nuclear power plant is expected to have implications for the use of clean energy and the reduction of the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, the implementation and development of the RDE program will increase national industrial capacity and global competitiveness. Moreover, the RDE program can be used as a reference for commercial nuclear power plants called PeLUIt (Power and Steam Generators for Industry) to meet the demand for industrial electricity and heat in various regions in Indonesia. However, many challenges arise in the implementation of this program, including the estimated significant development costs and the possibility of a long development period. To date, the RDE program has had a positive impact on strengthening the capacity of human resources in Indonesia in the field of power reactor design by being able to map the capabilities of the national industry to support nuclear power plant development programs. This is in addition to the formation of stakeholders from the Government, academics, and entrepreneurs.