Indonesia develops 15 solar plants under 100GWp program

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's government is developing 15 solar power plants in six provinces as part of a broader 100 gigawatt-peak (GWp) program, with the initial projects expected to save the state budget about Rp4.6 trillion (US$257 million) annually.

Head of the Government Communications Agency (Bakom) Muhammad Qodari said the 15 plants would be built in East Java, Central Java, West Java, Bali, the Riau Islands, and the Bangka Belitung Islands.

“For the initial phase involving the 15 solar power plants mentioned earlier, the potential savings for the state budget are estimated at Rp4.6 trillion per year,” Qodari said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The government officially launched the 100 GWp solar power program at a ceremony led by President Prabowo Subianto in Jembrana, Bali, on August 25, with construction of the 15 initial projects beginning as part of the program.

The 15 projects will comprise ground-mounted and floating solar power plants and require an estimated investment of Rp135 trillion, which will be financed by domestic and international businesses, Qodari said.

The initiative aims to promote the use of new and renewable energy (NRE) sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, imports of which can put pressure on the state budget. It is also part of Indonesia's efforts to achieve its climate targets.

Indonesia currently has 1.76 GW of installed solar power capacity, compared with total national electricity generation capacity of 108 GW, he said. The country's solar energy potential is estimated at 3,294 GW.

“This is where the urgency of this program, through the 100 gigawatt peak solar power program, lies. The use of diesel fuel is estimated to be reduced by up to 6 million kiloliters per year, while the state could potentially save up to Rp73.9 trillion annually,” Qodari said.

The program could also create jobs for around 5.52 million workers, he said.

The electricity generated by the solar power plants will also be used for productive activities by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including fishermen who will use electric-powered fishing boats. The electricity will also be supplied to areas that previously lacked access to electricity.

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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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