MAKALAH
PEMBANGKIT LISTRIK TENAGA NUKLIR
D
I
S
U
S
U
N
OLEH:
Nama : Yosafat Imanuel Manurung
Npm : 2303010025
PROGRAM STUDI TEKNIK MESIN
FAKULTAS TEKNIK DAN SUMBER DAYA PERAIRAN
UNIVERSITAS HKBP NOMMENSEN
PEMATANGSIANTAR
2025
KATA PENGANTAR
DAFTAR ISI
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Background
The increasing global demand for electricity is a direct consequence of the growing
population, rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and continuous technological
advancements in all areas of life. Electricity has become a fundamental component of
modern civilization, essential for lighting, communication, transportation, manufacturing,
healthcare, and countless other daily human activities. In developing countries such as
Indonesia, the challenge lies not only in meeting the growing demand but also in ensuring
the availability of electricity in remote and underdeveloped regions. As the backbone of
national development, a reliable and sustainable energy supply is crucial to improving the
quality of life and stimulating economic growth.
To meet this ever-growing demand, many countries continue to rely on traditional
energy sources, primarily fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These sources, while
currently abundant and relatively cost-effective, are finite and contribute significantly to
environmental degradation. The combustion of fossil fuels releases large amounts of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to global
warming and climate change. Additionally, the extraction and processing of these
resources often result in pollution, habitat destruction, and other forms of ecological
harm. With increasing awareness of these consequences, the need to transition towards
cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives becomes increasingly urgent.
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power have
gained popularity in recent years as potential solutions to the world's energy and
environmental crises. These sources offer the advantage of being clean and naturally
replenished, thereby reducing dependency on finite resources and mitigating harmful
emissions. However, despite their benefits, renewables face several limitations. Solar and
wind energy, for instance, are intermittent and highly dependent on weather conditions,
requiring advanced energy storage systems and grid infrastructure to ensure consistent
supply. In many cases, the energy output of renewables is still insufficient to meet the
demands of large populations or industrial sectors.
Amidst this global energy transition, nuclear energy presents itself as a highly
efficient and powerful alternative. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power plants do not emit
carbon dioxide during operation, making them one of the cleanest energy sources in terms
of greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear fission, the process by which energy is generated in
a nuclear reactor, releases an immense amount of energy from relatively small amounts of
fuel, usually uranium-235 or plutonium-239. The heat produced from this reaction is used
to generate steam, which then drives turbines to produce electricity. This method allows
for large-scale electricity generation with minimal environmental impact during
operation.
One of the most notable advantages of nuclear power is its high energy density. A
single uranium fuel pellet, about the size of a fingertip, contains as much energy as one
ton of coal, 149 gallons of oil, or 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas. This means that nuclear
power plants require significantly less fuel to produce the same amount of energy,
resulting in reduced transportation, storage, and fuel costs. Additionally, nuclear plants
are capable of operating continuously for long periods—typically 18 to 24 months
between refueling—making them a stable and reliable energy source that can support
base-load electricity generation.
However, the deployment of nuclear energy is not without controversy. Historical
incidents such as the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi accident in
2011 have heightened global concerns about the safety and reliability of nuclear power
plants. These events demonstrated the potentially catastrophic consequences of reactor
failures, including widespread radioactive contamination, long-term health effects, and
massive economic losses. Moreover, the management of nuclear waste remains an
unresolved challenge. Spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for thousands of years and
requires secure, long-term storage solutions to prevent environmental contamination and
human exposure.
Despite these challenges, nuclear energy continues to play a significant role in the
energy portfolios of many developed nations. France, for example, generates more than
70% of its electricity from nuclear energy, while the United States, China, and Russia
have also invested heavily in the development and modernization of their nuclear energy
sectors. These countries have implemented strict safety regulations, invested in advanced
reactor technologies, and promoted public awareness to gain societal acceptance. As a
result, nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a viable option for achieving energy
security and reducing carbon emissions.
In the Indonesian context, the potential for nuclear energy development is substantial,
given the country's abundant natural resources and increasing energy needs. Indonesia
possesses uranium and thorium reserves, which could serve as fuel for future nuclear
reactors. Furthermore, the government has expressed interest in exploring nuclear energy
as part of its long-term energy strategy, particularly as fossil fuel reserves decline and
electricity demand continues to rise. However, public apprehension, limited technical
expertise, and the absence of comprehensive regulatory frameworks remain significant
obstacles that must be addressed through education, research, and policy development.
Given these considerations, it is essential to study and evaluate the feasibility of
nuclear power plants in Indonesia. This includes examining their operational principles,
environmental impact, economic viability, and safety protocols. Understanding both the
advantages and the potential risks of nuclear energy will provide valuable insights for
policymakers, researchers, and the general public in determining the role of nuclear
power in Indonesia’s future energy landscape. A well-informed and balanced approach
will be critical in ensuring that nuclear energy contributes positively to sustainable
development and national energy resilience.
1. Problem Formulation
