Jakarta – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) emphasizes the important role of PT PLN (Persero) in accelerating the development of new renewable energy (NRE) through the General Plan for Electricity Supply (RUPTL) which is more focused on the construction of electricity networks. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, at the BNI Investor Daily Summit, Wednesday, October 9, highlighted that the preparation of the previous RUPTL was still not optimal in supporting the distribution of renewable energy, because PLN often prioritized the construction of power plants without being supported by an adequate transmission network.
“In South Sumatra, for example, there is 350 MW of renewable energy potential, but there is no adequate network to distribute it. This is a serious problem. Electricity is available, but there is no way to distribute it,” Bahlil said in an official statement.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources criticised the preparation of the RUPTL, which was previously considered partial. According to Bahlil, this resulted in an imbalance between the available generating capacity and the transmission capability to deliver electricity to consumers. PLN, he continued, needs to make large investments in electricity network infrastructure first, especially in areas that have high EBT potential.
“The RUPTL must reflect a commitment to build networks in locations that already have new renewable energy sources. PLN needs to play a more active role in providing transmission networks, not just building power plants. We can no longer fall into the same mistake, where the energy is there but the network is not,” Bahlil added.
In the new RUPTL, Bahlil revealed that PLN will receive a mandate to focus on the development of transmission networks as a top priority. Thus, PLN can ensure that electricity from EBT plants in certain areas can be immediately distributed to consumers.
Bahlil also highlighted cases where PLN was forced to pay a penalty, because the power plant built was not connected to a sufficient transmission network, so that electricity was not distributed and eroded the company’s profits.
“We do not want PLN to continue to be burdened by problems like this. With the new RUPTL, we will make sure that the power plants that are built have transmission networks to distribute the electricity,” Bahlil explained.
In preparing the new RUPTL, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and PLN will detail the required capacity based on economic growth, EBT potential in each region, and the availability of transmission networks. According to Bahlil, collaboration between the government and PLN is needed to ensure that plans for the development of power plants and electricity networks in Indonesia are more comprehensive.
“To realize an effective energy transition, PLN must be able to respond quickly to infrastructure needs. If it is known that there is potential for renewable energy, then the first step that must be taken is to build a transmission network, so that electricity can be directly distributed,” Bahlil said.
Going forward, Bahlil hopes that a more integrated RUPTL can accelerate the development of electricity infrastructure in Indonesia, while supporting the achievement of national renewable energy targets. With a clear prioritisation of the electricity grid, PLN is expected to become the backbone of Indonesia’s clean energy transition and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. (Hartatik)
