Indonesia, which also happens to be the world's largest supplier of natural gas, has said it could build its first nuclear power station by 2015 to meet the energy needs of its growing population.

"We have to develop nuclear power. We have the ability to do so," said the research and technology minister, Hatta Rajasa.

Late last year, against a backdrop of US concern about its true intentions, Iranian authorities made their nuclear ambitions known by announcing plans to meet its booming electricity demand with nuclear power.