ELECTRIFICATION BY NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY ONLY TWO PERCENT

The application of nuclear technology for electric generators in Indonesia was only around two percent of total output. The rest of operation system was still relying on hybrid fuel i.e. fossil [coal], gas, and oil. Two percent was most unimpressive figure. Research unveiled that oil reserves for Java was only sufficient for 23 days. “So there is no 24^th day for oil supply to Java. In the present condition, high tide at sea could be as high as 5 meters. There is no coal carrier ship that dares to anchor. If a condition as such happened for 23 consecutive days, Java would be in total blackout.“ Head of Nuclear Power Body [Bapetan] As Natio Lasma told Business News [9/4].

               

So far, Indonesia was in no possession of nuclear reactor for powerhouses. Indonesia only had three nuclear reactors but only for research purposes. For comparison, America already had 104 reactors; that number was equal to one fourth of total reactors in the world; so America served as benchmark of nuclear reaction application. The vast number of nuclear reactors in America was because the need for energy was also high. Besides, America’s technology was highly efficient whereby to fulfill electricity need. For comparison, one gram of uranium was equal to 15 tons of burning coal. “The consumption of coal, oil and gas by PLN in a year [around 50 million tons] is only equal to around three grams of uranium. Nuclear reactors for electrification need no second fuel.

               

The nuclear powerhouse also needs no special and complicated design. All it needs is security measures. The dome must also be designed strong. Meaning, even if an airplane crashes on it, it won’t crumble” Natio Lasma was quoted as saying.

                 

 Bapetan in doing their supervisory role referred to law no 10/1997 on Nuclear Power, issued regulations, permit and inspections. This was most important for guaranteed assurance of nuclear energy application in Indonesia. If there was guarantee of safety and security, Bapetan would permit operations. Toward the development of the first Nuclear Powerhouse in Indonesia, Bapetan as controlling body had prepared a controlling system complete with all the supporting instruments the detailed and comprehensive way. The system and set of technical instruments were the spearhead of controlling system to ensure effectiveness of control. “The initial phase such as choosing of site up to closing must be on the right track. If there is no safety assurance we will stop their operations” Natio remarked.

               

America had enormous reserves of conventional energy, yet the US energy policy remained to use nuclear power to cover up their national energy need. Application of nuclear for powerhouses in America was constantly developed, so building of nuclear-based power houses was well underway. “About America’s transfer of nuclear technology to Indonesia is not in the domain of Bapetan. We are only in charge of controlling. In terms of control, all countries including Indonesia and America, must be transparent, no secrets about it” Natio concluded. (SS)    

Business News - April 12,2013