The United States and Indonesia has announced a strategic partnership to support Indonesia’s interest in deploying small modular reactor (SMR) technology to meet its energy security and climate goals.
The announcement was made at the Indo-Pacific Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Forum in Bali.
Minister Airlangga Hartarto, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, U.S. Ambassador Sung Y. Kim, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Ann Ganzer of the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) officially announced the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement and any associated grants and contracts as a deliverable under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII)
By deploying cutting-edge, secure, and safe nuclear clean energy technology, the agreement supports the objectives of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and strengthens Indonesia’s leadership in the ASEAN region as it works towards achieving Net Zero Emissions in Indonesia by 2060.
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To help PLN Indonesia Power (Indonesia Power) analyse the technical and financial viability of the proposed nuclear power station, which would be situated in West Kalimantan, USTDA has granted a grant under this engagement.
Site selection plans, designs for the power plant and the interconnection system, early analyses of the environmental and social impacts, risk assessments, cost estimates, and regulatory reviews will all be part of it.
Also, as part of the cooperation, $1,000,000 USD will be added to the existing relationship under the U.S. Department of State’s Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of SMR Technology (FIRST) Program to support Indonesia’s capacity-building efforts.
This covers assistance with matters including workforce development, stakeholder involvement, rules, and licencing.
“The U.S.-Indonesia economic relationship is thriving, and in Bali this week we are seeing some of the tangible outcomes of our partnership,” said U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Sung Y. Kim.
“Today’s announcement of a strategic partnership to help Indonesia develop its small modular reactor nuclear clean energy program, as a key deliverable under the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, is an important milestone in Indonesia’s efforts to achieve its climate goals while promoting sustainable economic growth.”
Story adapted from US Embassy & Consulate in Indonesia
