Russia is proposing cooperation with Indonesia on nuclear power generators, offering assistance that features potential financing for worker training. Russian ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobyeva emphasized Moscow’s interest in helping the Southeast Asian nation use nuclear energy.
Vorobieva noted that a significant slice, 20 percent, of Russia’s current electricity production comes from nuclear power plants. She highlighted Russia’s position as the house of the world’s inaugural nuclear power plant situated in Obninsk, which ceased operations in 2002 after 48 years of operation. Expressing readiness to support Indonesia each time it decides to include nuclear energy, Vorobieva emphasized Russia’s extensive experience on this energy field during a press conference in Jakarta.
She asserted that safety measures at Russian nuclear power plants currently exceed those in place at facilities affected by disasters resembling Chernobyl and Fukushima. Vorobieva suggested that smaller reactors could suit Indonesia’s archipelagic landscape, mentioning floating nuclear power plant technology that Russia already operates.
Vorobieva emphasized Russia’s commitment to global nuclear initiatives, citing the instance of financing 90 percent of the $12.65 billion Rooppur nuclear power plant project in Bangladesh, with repayment over 28 years with a 10-year grace period. Claiming that the nuclear power plant could contribute to Indonesia’s vision of a green capital in Nusantara attributable to its minimal emissions, Vorobieva emphasized that Russia has the technology to effectively manage nuclear waste. Russia intends to assist develop these plants and offer the expertise needed to coach Indonesian personnel to operate the technology.
However, Vorobieva emphasized that the choice rests with the Indonesian government, which is exploring various nuclear energy options, not limited to Russia. Economic ties between the 2 countries were also mentioned, which proves Russian investments in Indonesia and the numerous volume of trade between them.
