Purwakarta, August 29, 2024 – PT PLN (Persero) through its subsidiary, PLN Batam, together with PT Aruna Cahaya Pratama (Aruna PV), successfully operated the largest ground-mounted solar power plant (PLTS) in Indonesia with a capacity of 100 Megawatt peak (MWp) in the Kota Bukit Indah Industrial Area (KBI), Purwakarta Regency, West Java, on Wednesday (08/28). The operation of this environmentally friendly power plant will increase the competitiveness of domestic industries through the use of green electricity.
Standing on a total area of 80 hectares, the solar power plant operated by PT Aruna Hijau Power (AHP), a joint venture between PLN Batam and Aruna PV, is estimated to be capable of producing 150 GWh of clean energy per year, equivalent to a reduction in emissions of 118,725 tons of CO2.
The Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KESDM), Jisman P. Hutajulu, welcomed the swift action taken by PLN and AHP in constructing the ground-mounted solar power plant in Purwakarta. According to him, the inauguration of this solar power plant marks a new milestone in Indonesia's energy transition efforts towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“I think this solar power plant will be a very promising power generator in the future. We hope that the successful construction of this solar power plant will provide optimal benefits and serve as a role model for the industrial sector and other business owners,” said Jisman.
PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo explained that as the backbone of energy transition in Indonesia, PLN is committed to supporting the development of the domestic industrial sector by using green electricity in its operations. He sees this effort as being in line with the government's energy transition roadmap to achieve Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060 or sooner.
“Electricity is the heart of the Indonesian economy. In its journey, PLN is not only supplying reliable electricity but is also committed to meeting the green electricity needs of the country's industries. This is a manifestation of PLN's commitment to the country to be a pioneer in the use of renewable and sustainable energy sources,” he said.
In addition to collaborating with AHP, PLN is also supported by PT Tatajabar Sejahtera (TJS) as the offtaker and PT Besland Pertiwi as the project landowner in this solar power plant project. According to Darmawan, this collaboration is a manifestation of cooperation between the government, state-owned enterprises, and the private sector in realizing energy security through increased use of renewable energy.
“Climate change is a global issue that must be addressed together. Therefore, PLN cannot do everything on its own. The only way to face these challenges is through collaboration,” added Darmawan.
Darmawan is optimistic that the operation of this solar power plant will create substantial economic impacts that can generate numerous job opportunities, open business prospects, and support economic growth, particularly in the Bukit Indah Industrial Area and its surroundings.
“This solar power plant development project is a manifestation of PLN's support in promoting the competitiveness of domestic industries. Amid global demands to switch to clean energy, many domestic industries also need a supply of green electricity so that the products they produce have added value,” Darmawan continued.
Meanwhile, AHP President Director Adi Dharmanto expressed his gratitude for completing Indonesia's largest ground-mounted solar power plant project ahead of schedule, in about seven months.
“As developers, we and our team have a principle that this project must be carried out wholeheartedly, fulfilling our promises not only to stakeholders but also to the Indonesian people. We are committed to becoming one of PLN's partners in the transition to new and renewable energy,” said Adi.
TJS President Director Kuky Permana said that the clean electricity supply from the solar power plant meets the electricity needs of the Bukit Indah Industrial Estate. This is because electricity usage in the industrial estate matches the characteristics of the solar power plant's electricity production.
He elaborated that there are currently 244 customers with an average peak load on weekdays of around 126 megawatts (MW). On holidays and weekends, this drops to approximately 70 MW.
“We are proud to participate in this strategic project, which is part of the government's program to achieve NZE by 2060. For that, I would like to express my deepest gratitude, especially to the central government, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the local government, as well as PLN and its staff, who have provided tremendous support for this strategic project,” concluded Kuky.
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References:
https://ulasan.co/pln-dan-aruna-bangun-plts-100-mwp-terbesar-di-indonesia/
