Sustaining nuclear fuel science and technology base

To fulfil energy demand, the Indonesian Government has made efforts to optimize the use of various-fossil and non fossil-potential energy resources in synergy (energy mix), which is stated in national energy policy. According to national energy policy, Indonesia is going to use nuclear energy for electricity supply, and up to 2025, the use of nuclear energy is projected at about 2% of the total primary energy or 4 to 5% of the national electricity supply. This energy demand is described in NPP road map, which consists of NPP preparation, construction and operation up to 2025. To sustain the activity of nuclear power plants, the continuity of nuclear reactor fuel supply is an absolute necessity; therefore, it will become industrially prospective and have an effect on national industries. As a nuclear research center and guidance in nuclear energy system in Indonesia, Batan also plays a role to promote this prospect and to increase the national content at NPP construction. In this point of view, Batan should have the competency especially in nuclear fuel cycle technology, and in this case PTBN is viewed as the competent center since PTBN's main task is to conduct the development of Nuclear Fuel Technology. This competency is performed as mastering its science and technology base. In this case, PTBN is noticed to have the capability to function suitably since PTBN is equipped with documents for fuel fabrication industry such as bidding, construction and commissioning and qualified man power. Basically, PTBN does not have the mandatory to operate nuclear fuel fabrication commercially. However, PTBN has the capability to prepare competent man power through training and coaching in nuclear fuel fabrication. In fact, the present condition shows that some of the equipments does not function properly or are not utilized optimally or are not operable. Besides, the process documents available have not yet validated and qualified, and the man power is not qualified yet. Moreover, some of the employees who are experienced and knowledgeable in nuclear fuel research are going to retire. Meanwhile, they have not trained the junior employees -- causing a big gap in skill and experienced. Therefore, since 2003 PTBN has prepared some programs to solve those problems. The goal of the programs is: - BATAN, especially PTBN, plays a role as 'center of excellent' in nuclear fuel technology; this is characterized by mastering its science and technology base. - Documents preparation for nuclear fuel industry construction. - Provision of qualified man power for nuclear fuel industry operation. So far the programs has shown positive progress such as the implementation of revitalization for several equipments, testing laboratory accreditation, preparation for calibration laboratory accreditation, operator coaching, nuclear fuel research development, active participation in INPRO and the implementation of total quality management system in accordance with IAEA code and guidance