The site, selected for its tectonic stability, is slated to host a plant that holds four 1000MW generators. According to Atomic and Nuclear Energy Agency spokesman Deddy Harsono, the project will begin construction in 2010 and commence production in 2018.
The Indonesian Government has issued mixed signals regarding the building of the plant, wary of a public outcry similar to the one that caused its 1997 nuclear power plans to be shelved. In contradiction of the statement by Harsono, energy minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said public opinion would decide the issue.
“It should be first outlined, and will depend on whether the public can accept it or not,” Yusgiantoro said.
According to a statement by Yusgiantoro, the Government was looking at sources of alternative energy such as geothermal power ahead of building nuclear reactors.
