Indonesia has great potential in the development of renewable energy. This is because Indonesia has a large area with diverse geographical conditions, such as:
- Abundant sunlight: Indonesia is located on the equator, so it gets sunlight throughout the year.
- Abundant water resources: Indonesia has many rivers and lakes that can be utilized as a source of water energy.
- Strong winds: In some areas of Indonesia, there are strong winds that can be utilized as a source of wind energy.
- Long coastline: Indonesia has a long coastline, so it has the potential for wind and water energy development.
Here are 5 examples of the use of renewable energy in Indonesia:
1. Cirata Solar Power Plant, West Java
Cirata solar power plant is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. With a capacity of 192 megawatt peak (MWp), it has 340,000 solar panels spread over an area of 200 hectares. It can generate enough electricity to power around 50,000 homes.
2. Likupang Solar Power Plant, North Sulawesi
PLTS Likupang, located in Wineru Village, East Likupang Subdistrict, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province, was inaugurated on September 5, 2019 after a construction period of around 1.5 years with a total investment cost of US$29.2 million. On the 29-hectare land, around 64,640 solar panels are arranged, utilizing solar energy. PLTS Likupang has an installed capacity of 21 MWp and plays a role in supporting electricity supply in the PLN Sulutgo (North Sulawesi-Gorontalo) network.
3. PLTB Sidrap, South Sulawesi
PLTB Sidrap, a wind power plant located in South Sulawesi, is one of the largest in Indonesia with a capacity of 75 MW. This power plant, known as PLTB Sidrap I, is the first commercial-scale wind power project in Indonesia. The project was completed in a span of 2.5 years, from August 2015 to March 2018. There are 30 windmills in PLTB Sidrap, each with a tower height of 80 meters and a propeller length of 57 meters, capable of driving a turbine with a capacity of 2.5 MW. With its ability, PLTB Sidrap I is able to supply electricity to more than 70,000 customers with power reaching 900 volt ampere (VA).
4. PLTB Jeneponto, South Sulawesi
Since September 2019, PLTB Tolo 1, a wind power plant located in Jeneponto, South Sulawesi, has been operating. The plant is part of the national energy mix target and is equipped with 20 Wind Turbine Generators (WTG) with a total capacity of 72 megawatts. With a turbine length of 67 meters, it is expected that PLTB Tolo 1 will be able to provide electricity to 300,000 household customers with 900 VA power.
5. Saguling Hydroelectric Power Plant, West Java
Located in West Bandung Regency, West Java, Saguling Hydroelectric Power Plant sits at 643 meters above sea level. Saguling Reservoir, on which the plant relies for its water resources, is one of the three main reservoirs that stem the flow of the Citarum River, the largest river in West Java. Saguling Hydropower Plant has a capacity of 700 MW, becoming a reliable power plant center capable of producing 2,156 GWh of electricity annually. In addition, Saguling reservoir also has a dual role as a water storage area to drive turbines and electricity generators as well as a location for fisheries activities and tourist destinations for local residents.
