Russia, Indonesia to cooperate on nuclear regulation

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the nuclear regulatory authorities of Russia and Indonesia to cooperate in a range of issues related to the regulation of nuclear and radiation safety and nuclear security. The MOU was signed by Alexey Aleshin, chairman of Russia's Federal Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service (Rostechhnadzor), and Jazi Eko, chairman of Indonesia's Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed between the nuclear regulatory authorities of Russia and Indonesia to cooperate in a range of issues related to the regulation of nuclear and radiation safety and nuclear security. The MOU was signed by Alexey Aleshin, chairman of Russia's Federal Environmental, Industrial and Nuclear Supervision Service (Rostechnadzor), and Jazi Eko, chairman of Indonesia's Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN).

Aleshin (left) and Eko sign the MOU (Image: Rostechnadzor)

The agreement was signed on 31 March on the side-lines of the 7th Nuclear Safety Convention, currently under way at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.

The MOU covers the development of regulations on nuclear safety, radiation and security of nuclear technology; development and implementation of a licensing program; inspection of nuclear and radiation facilities; development of regulations and supervision of the mining and processing of radioactive minerals; and, emergency preparedness and response.

Russia and Indonesia signed a nuclear cooperation agreement in December 2006.

Indonesia's National Atomic Energy Agency (Batan) is promoting the introduction of nuclear power plants in Indonesia to help meet the county's demand for power. It envisages the start-up of conventional large light-water reactors on the populous islands of Bali, Java, Madura and Sumatra from 2027 onwards. In addition, it is planning for small HTGRs (up to 100 MWe) for deployment on Kalimantan, Sulawesi and other islands to supply power and heat for industrial use.

Prior to the introduction of commercial reactors in Indonesia, Batan is considering building a test and demonstration HTGR with an electrical output of 3-10 MWe and a thermal output of 10-30 MWt.

Researched and written
by World Nuclear News