News Detail

South Tangerang – BRIN Public Relations. Efforts to prepare potential sites for Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) in Indonesia continue to be carried out carefully and based on scientific principles. To strengthen geological aspects, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), together with the Geological Agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), held a technical discussion aimed at aligning perspectives and deepening geological studies on candidate sites at the ESDM Secretariat General Building, Jakarta, on Monday (4/5).

Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, stated that the entire assessment process is conducted objectively, professionally, and based on scientific data.

“The analyses conducted must be grounded in field facts and scientific approaches as part of the initial evaluation of site conditions from geological aspects,” she explained.

During the forum, the Geological Agency team presented experiences from field surveys previously conducted in two stages. The studies covered various important parameters, including soil and rock conditions, earthquake potential, volcanic activity, liquefaction, tsunamis, and ground movement hazards.

Chairman of the Research Organization for Nuclear Energy BRIN, Syaiful Bakhri, emphasized the importance of inter-agency synchronization at this early stage.

“Currently, evaluations of several candidate sites are still at the preliminary or desk evaluation stage. Therefore, it is important for us to align our perspectives. More in-depth studies will continue in subsequent stages in accordance with applicable standards,” he explained.

In line with this, Head of the Research Center for Nuclear Material and Radioactive Waste Technology BRIN, Maman Kartaman, stated that geological studies need to be conducted continuously.

“Geological aspect studies need to be carried out intensively and continuously to deepen all parameters that form the criteria for NPP sites. Through a comprehensive approach based on field data, it is expected that a complete and accurate picture of site conditions can be obtained as the basis for appropriate decision-making,” he stated.

Furthermore, it was conveyed that NPP site studies are not limited to geological aspects alone, but also include other factors such as meteorology, oceanography, and other supporting technical aspects. To ensure methodological compatibility with international standards, BRIN is also opening opportunities for consultation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

From a policy perspective, the continuously increasing demand for electricity has become one of the main considerations in NPP development. Therefore, site determination must take into account various strategic aspects, including environmental suitability and support for the national electricity system.

The studies encompass several key earth science aspects, including earthquake and tsunami potential, as well as coastal dynamics such as abrasion and accretion. The results of these studies will later serve as the basis for technical recommendations regarding the feasibility of locations for NPP development.

The resulting recommendations will have long-term implications, considering that NPPs are designed to operate over extended periods, even up to 80 years. Therefore, the entire assessment process must be conducted carefully, systematically, and with safety principles as the highest priority.

The discussion involved leaders and researchers from various BRIN work units, including the Research Center for Nuclear Material and Radioactive Waste Technology, Research Center for Nuclear Reactor Technology, and Research Center for Safety, Metrology, and Nuclear Quality Technology. This cross-disciplinary involvement reflects the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the NPP site evaluation process. (esw, nf/ed: tnt)