Optimizing a nuclear-renewables hybrid energy system for Indonesia's New Capital: Integrating SMRs and solar PV for sustainable energy solutions

This study evaluates the optimization of a Nuclear-Renewables Hybrid Energy System (NRHES) for Indonesia's New Capital (INC), integrating Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Solar Photovoltaics (PV) to address escalating energy demands while aligning with national net-zero targets. Confronting Indonesia's renewable energy shortfall (14% of the current energy mix) and the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, the research compares a Solar PV-only scenario with an NRHES configuration using the IAEA's DE-TOP and MESSAGE frameworks. The hybrid system demonstrates superior technical and economic performance, achieving a 4.4% reduction in Levelized Cost of Electricity (11.86 vs. 12.41 cents USD/kWh), and LCOW by 38.39% ($221.07 vs. $358.80 per cubic kilometer), reduction in hydrogen production by $0.32 per kilogram ($6.28 per kilogram vs. $6.60 per kilogram), and 39% lower land use (4543 vs. 7404 ha). By coupling SMRs with Solar PV, the NRHES enables tri-generation of electricity, desalinated water (40,000 m 3 /day), and hydrogen (29 million m 3 /year), addressing urban resource challenges synergistically. Policy implications highlight the need for regulatory harmonization, SMR deployment acceleration, and cross-sectoral coordination to leverage hydrogen export potential and circular economy synergies. This study positions NRHES as a replicable model for tropical cities, reconciling energy security, decarbonization, and sustainable urbanization, while advancing Indonesia's 2060 net-zero roadmap and redefining hybrid energy infrastructure paradigms for the Global South. • Recent RD on Nuclear-Renewables Hybrid Energy System (NRHS) • NRHS as a new energy system concept for Indonesia's New Capital (INC) • Integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with Solar Photovoltaics (PV) to meet future energy demands • Contains review and contribution for sustainable development and energy optimization