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Prof. Zaki Su’ud addressed the ongoing issue of climate change and the potential of nuclear energy as a sustainable solution. He highlighted the devastating effects of global warming—such as flooding in Spain and wildfires in California—which emphasize the urgent need for stricter policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement. In this context, advanced nuclear energy technology emerges as a strategic alternative due to its zero-carbon emissions and exceptionally high energy density.

“Nuclear energy has an extremely high energy density—it only requires refueling once every 20 years—making it a strong candidate for alternative energy that does not rely on continuous supply,” stated Prof. Zaki Su’ud.

Thanks to its ability to produce large-scale electricity consistently and with minimal emissions, nuclear energy holds significant promise as a cornerstone in the global pursuit of net-zero emissions. However, this technology also demands exceptionally rigorous safety standards.

“Nuclear systems are built with extremely strict protocols. Their components must meet high reliability standards, which means not every company is equipped to support them,” he added.

As part of the country’s nuclear energy development efforts, ITB has been conducting research on long-life nuclear power reactors that utilize liquid lead-bismuth (Pb-Bi) coolant and nitride fuel, equipped with inherent safety features.

“ITB was the first institution to develop a modular reactor based on liquid Pb-Bi coolant, even before the technology was developed in Russia,” Prof. Zaki noted.

Prof. Abdul Waris then presented on nuclear fuel and waste management strategies with the aim of achieving zero release nuclear waste. He explained that nuclear energy is derived from continuous fission reactions within three main types of reactors: research reactors, breeder reactors, and power reactors—the latter being utilized in nuclear power plants.

He further emphasized the critical challenges of managing nuclear waste, particularly in terms of safety, non-proliferation, and disposal methods.

“There are two primary strategies in nuclear waste management: the open cycle (OC) and the once-through cycle (OTC). OTC can be implemented through several methods, such as disposal into outer space, beneath glaciers, deep-sea repositories, or underground storage facilities,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Prof. Ari D. Pasek highlighted the roles of the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FMAE) and the Faculty of Industrial Technology (FIT) in advancing nuclear energy development in Indonesia. He emphasized that human resource readiness is a crucial factor in the implementation of nuclear technology, given the high level of expertise required in safety systems, efficiency, and waste handling. To address this, both FMAE and FIT ITB are committed to nurturing competent experts through research-based curricula and collaborations with various stakeholders, including industrial partners and international research institutions.

The seminar strongly underscored the strategic importance of nuclear energy development as a viable pathway to achieving net-zero emissions, especially in the face of energy crises and accelerating climate change. With ongoing research support and well-structured policy frameworks, Indonesia has the potential to become a key player in the global shift toward clean, reliable, and future-oriented nuclear energy.

Reporter: Indira Akmalia Hendri (Urban and Regional Planning, 2021)
Translator: Malika Fatima Lawe (Microbiology, 2022)