Indonesia: BATAN Develops Reactor Simulator to Promote Nuclear Power

Indonesia: BATAN Develops Reactor Simulator to Promote Nuclear Power

In a bid to support the development of nuclear power plants (PLTN), the
National Nuclear Power Agency (BATAN) developed an experimental power
reactor (RDE) simulator.

BATAN head Djarot Sulistyo Wisnubroto said that the simulator is reactor
simulation software describing the working principal of a nuclear reactor to
generate power.

"The simulator is designed to serve as a training program facility for
reactor operator candidates," Djarot said on Monday, November 14, 2016.

In order to safely operate a nuclear reactor, Djarot explained, reactor
operators are required to undergo a number of trainings to obtain the
license.

Djarot revealed that Indonesia had planned to develop nuclear power plants
since 1970, but it has not yet been realized. In 1985, a nuclear power plant
development plan was pitched followed by a search for development sites in
Jepara, Central Java.

Djarot added that the nuclear power plant development must consider several
factors, namely the geological structure, the coastal flooding, wind
velocity and direction, earthquake, weather, environment, and population.

Djarot claimed that BATAN is ready in terms of human resources.

"BATAN has 2,878 employees and 400 reactor experts. The nuclear higher
school produces 70-80 graduates each year, in addition to cooperation with
other universities, such as Gadjah Mada University (UGM), the University of
Indonesia (UI), and Banding Institute of Technology (ITB)," Djarot said.

Geni Rina Sunaryo, head of the center for nuclear reactor safety technology
at BATAN, revealed that the simulator has a capacity of 1,000 MWe, with four
steam-fueled generator, primary and secondary pumps, condensers, turbins,
generators, and other components.

According to Geni, the simulator development is aimed at applying nuclear
science and technology concepts.

"The simulation is similar to the operation of a real nuclear reactor," Geni
said.

Yusi Eko Yulianto, head of reactor operation at the BATAN's Center for
Multi-Purpose Reactors, said that his institution has conducted a review on
nuclear technology and other energy sources.

Yusi added that BATAN has pitched the nuclear power plant development to the
central government, by presenting results of its feasibility studies in
Jepara, Kalimantan, Bangka Belitung and Banten.

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Link to Original Article:
http://en.tempo.co/read/news/2016/11/14/056820125/BATAN-Develops-Reactor-Sim
ulator-to-Promote-Nuclear-Power

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com