Indonesia is in discussions with the US and Russia to acquire nuclear power technology, aiming to operate nuclear power plants by 2036, Reuters has reported.

Vivi Yulaswati, deputy minister at the Ministry of National Development Planning, stated that Indonesia is considering both small modular reactors and conventional nuclear technology to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

The country, prone to earthquakes, faces challenges in adopting nuclear power.

Yulaswati noted that it is premature to place orders, as presidential approval and international collaboration are needed.

“We have to get a blessing from the president, and of course, we have to talk with international partners. I think, a very long journey still,” she said.

30 countries, including nine in Asia, currently use nuclear power for electricity generation, according to energy think tank Ember.

Indonesia, with 275 million people, relies heavily on coal, which powers more than half of its current capacity. Clean energy sources, such as hydropower, account for under 15%.

The country intends to provide international investors with opportunities to develop 75GW of renewable energy up to 2039.

However, funding remains a challenge. The G7’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) promised $20bn in 2022, but disbursement has been slow, affecting emission reduction efforts.

Yulaswati mentioned that JETP has approved grants for 33 decarbonisation projects worth $217.8m, including initiatives to increase electric vehicles in Bali.

Six additional projects worth $78.4m are under discussion. Loans up to $6.1bn have been approved, primarily for grid upgrades and renewable energy development.

Interest rates for these loans are yet to be finalised, with Indonesian officials criticising Western nations for not providing concessional funding under the JETP.

Yulaswati stated that JETP projects have not yet commenced, with funding expected to begin in 2025, coinciding with Indonesia’s next five-year economic planning cycle.