Thorcon bags first nuclear plant regulatory approval in Indonesia

This aligns with the country’s goal of 10 GW of nuclear energy.

Singapore-based Thorcon International has received the first-ever nuclear power plant-related licensing approval for a project in Indonesia.

In a statement, Thorcon said the approval was granted for the Kelasa site evaluation plan and the site evaluation management system plan from nuclear regulator BAPETEN. The development marks the completion of the first step of Thorcon’s nuclear power plant licensing campaign in Indonesia.

Indonesia has announced in May that it aims for 10 gigawatts of nuclear power by 2040. Currently, more than half of Indonesia’s installed power capacity is coal.

“We see enormous potential for nuclear power in Indonesia, which is why we have established a domestic nuclear power and licensing team,” says Kun Chen, chief nuclear officer at Thorcon. “We are the first and only nuclear company to have done this.”

The licensing application was mostly completed by PT Thorcon Power Indonesia staff and domestic contractors, with the review and approval completed entirely by the Indonesian regulators.

The next steps for the Kelasa site are to obtain the site license and design approval. Construction is expected to commence in 2027, with full power expected by 2031.

The facility will energise Bankga Belitung Province once completed.