Jakarta – PT Pertamina, through its subsidiaries PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional (KPI) and PT Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (NRE), officially operates the largest rooftop solar power plant (PLTS) within the Pertamina Group, according to a KPI spokesperson on Thursday, 22 May.
The plant, inaugurated on Wednesday, 21 May, was built on three of KPI’s main facilities at the Balikpapan Refinery: the warehouse (1,635 kWp), workshop (744 kWp), and New HSSE Building (138 kWp). It has a total capacity of 2.5 megawatt peak (MWp).
This solar power plant is not only a symbol of decarbonisation commitment but also has a real impact on the refinery’s operational efficiency. KPI Operations Director Didik Bahagia said that the refinery’s use of solar energy is part of the energy efficiency strategy that is now KPI’s main focus.
“Energy cost is the second largest expense in the refinery, accounting for around 4 to 5 per cent of the total operational cost. With this rooftop solar power plant, we can reduce costs while reducing carbon emissions by up to 3,798 tonnes of CO₂e per year,” Didik said.
According to him, the collaboration between Pertamina’s subsidiaries is the key to the success of developing green projects like this. “Alhamdulillah, we have inaugurated this rooftop solar power plant. The synergy between KPI and NRE is an example of mutually beneficial collaboration that directly impacts the sustainability of our operations,” Didik added.
Pertamina’s green energy roadmap
Pertamina NRE Projects & Operations Director Norman Ginting calls the project part of Pertamina’s “dual growth strategy”: continuing to strengthen the oil and gas business while expanding the use of renewable energy throughout the operational chain.
“This solar power plant reflects strategic synergy. KPI remains focused on the oil and gas sector, and we at NRE support decarbonisation measures through green energy. This collaboration has been carried out in almost all refineries,” said Norman.
With the operation of the rooftop solar power plant at Balikpapan Refinery, the total capacity of solar power plants installed and operated by Pertamina NRE at KPI refineries reaches 12.37 MWp. Other refineries that already operate solar power plants include the Dumai Refinery (3.77 MWp), Plaju Refinery (2.25 MWp), Cilacap Refinery (2.34 MWp), and Balongan Refinery (1.51 MWp).
The use of AI and IoT technology
More than just installing solar panels, the rooftop solar power plant in Balikpapan also uses artificial intelligence (AI)-based technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) to maximise operational efficiency.
This technology allows for remote monitoring and control, ensuring the system runs optimally and any disruptions can be immediately detected and addressed.
In addition to developing PLTS, Pertamina also runs the Flare Gas to Power project as an additional effort to reduce emissions. This project utilises flue gas from refinery activities that was previously wasted to be converted into electrical energy.
“By using flue gas for power generation, we save energy and reduce emissions. This is a real step towards our net-zero emission (NZE) aspiration,” said Norman. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Pertamina’s largest rooftop solar power plant is in the warehouse area, and the new HSSE KPI building is at Balikpapan Refinery, East Kalimantan. (Source: Pertamina)
