Rosatom Signs Agreement for Floating Nuclear Power Units in Indonesia

Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom has signed an agreement to deploy two FPU-100 floating nuclear power units in Indonesia. The units will provide a combined capacity of 200 MW to the northern part of Halmahera Island in North Maluku. Rosatom anticipates the units will begin supplying electricity within five years.

Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, highlighted the agreement as the world's first export deal for electricity supply from a floating power unit. He noted that cooperation between Rosatom and Indonesia is advancing, with Indonesia pursuing energy security and carbon neutrality.

Yudi Utomo Imardjoko, Director of PT Pembangkit Listrik Nuklir, stated that providing clean, reliable, and carbon-free electricity is crucial for Indonesia's long-term energy future. He emphasized that the project is a business-to-business initiative, funded by private-sector investment without relying on Indonesia's State Budget. The Indonesian Government, particularly the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Russia, supported the agreement.

Phased Approach to Nuclear Energy

Rosatom has proposed a two-phased approach for nuclear energy development in Indonesia. The initial phase involves small-scale floating nuclear power units, followed by a second phase that includes land-based nuclear power plants equipped with larger units.

Rosatom's Floating Nuclear Power Unit Experience

Rosatom is currently constructing four floating power units to supply electricity to a copper mining center in Chukotka. The company aims to export floating nuclear power plants with capacities of at least 100 MWe and a service life of up to 60 years. These units feature RITM-200M reactors, derived from those used in Russia's nuclear-powered icebreakers.

Rosatom has over five years of operational experience with the Akademik Lomonosov, the world's only operating floating nuclear power plant. This plant, along with its coastal infrastructure, supplies heat and power to the city of Pevek in Russia's Arctic Chukotka region.

The business model for these floating power units involves Rosatom retaining ownership and operational responsibility, with the customer paying for the generated electricity. Rosatom states that these units are environmentally friendly, easy to deploy, ensure stable electricity prices, and do not require countries to invest in their own nuclear infrastructure or assume ownership.

India's Power Demand Surges 11% in September, Coal Stocks Decline 60%

In September 2026, electricity consumption in India rose by 11% year-on-year to 162 billion units, according to a JM Financial report. Peak power demand increased by 17% year-on-year to 269 gigawatts, with total generation climbing 11% to 173 billion units. However, a 16% year-on-year decrease in hydro output to 19 billion units contributed to an evening peak deficit exceeding 7 GW.

Thermal power generation increased by 16% year-on-year to 118 billion units, while renewable generation grew by 13% to 29 billion units. This increased reliance on coal-fired power resulted in a 60% year-on-year drop in coal stocks at power plants, falling to 19 million tonnes by the end of September from 47 million tonnes a year prior. Domestic coal production in August 2026 decreased by 4% year-on-year to 67 million tonnes, though dispatches rose by 5% to 82 million tonnes.

Globally, Indonesian coal prices saw a 47% year-on-year increase, reaching $111 per tonne in September. Spot LNG prices also rose to $26 per MMBtu by late September from $10.8 per MMBtu in February 2026. The tight supply conditions led to an increase in spot rates on the Indian Energy Exchange, with the weighted average market clearing price climbing to ₹4.9 per kWh in September from ₹3.4 per kWh a year earlier. Additionally, outstanding dues from distribution companies to power generators reached ₹85,700 crore by the end of September.

India's Secondary Steel Sector to Focus on Decarbonization Beyond Energy Efficiency

Secondary steel producers in India are working to improve energy efficiency, but further emission reductions require measures beyond efficiency gains. The National Strategy for Sustainable Secondary Steel (NSSS) is designed to help the sector overcome financial and technological hurdles in decarbonization.

MSMEs face specific challenges in three key areas: renewable energy adoption, material efficiency, and process efficiency with alternative fuels. The Ministry of Steel estimates that a 43% renewable energy penetration could reduce emission intensity by 7.5%. Utilizing scrap steel can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions and iron ore consumption. Automated process controls and alternative fuels like biochar and hydrogen are also being considered, though financing and infrastructure remain barriers.

NSSS Design and Conditions

The NSSS is expected to offer results-linked finance for proven technologies through guaranteed loans and interest rebates for verified emission reductions. For first-of-a-kind technologies, such as hydrogen use in rotary kilns, milestone-based capital grants are proposed.

Support from the NSSS will be contingent on units meeting specific conditions: achieving energy efficiency benchmarks, avoiding new or expanded coal-based capacity, and holding at least a ZED Bronze certificate for quality and environmental standards.