Semarang – The licensing process for using Solar Power Plants (SPPs) in Indonesia is considered by observers to have not been fully streamlined, even though this sector is starting to develop.
Energy Observer and Lecturer at the Defense University (IDU), Dr Donny Yoesgiantoro, said, “In terms of SPPs infrastructure, for example. Access to solar panel products has now been produced by the company Wijaya Karya, but the licensing process must be facilitated more so that installation becomes easier”.
He explained that the ease of SPP licensing is important to encourage people to be more interested in using this renewable energy. Installing SPPs is still quite expensive, so the government needs to support the licensing process so that people can get subsidies.
“Currently, limited use by companies and airports is still okay. But for public use, it is not possible. Not only because the technology is unfamiliar, but also because they have to pay more to install solar panels at home,” Yoesgiantoro said.
Semarang Airport installs solar power plant
Meanwhile, PT Angkasa Pura I General Ahmad Yani Semarang International Airport Branch Office completed the Solar Power Plant (SPPs) Project on November 13, 2023. A total of 186 units of solar PV modules with a capacity of 100 Kilowatt-Peak (KWP) were installed on the canopy roof of the administration building parking area and the roof of the Main Power House (MPH) building. This solar power plant can supply the electricity needs of many buildings in the airport area.
The General Manager of Jenderal Ahmad Yani Semarang International Airport, Fajar Purwawidada, said that the construction of the solar power plant is a concrete step in implementing the Eco Airport concept through the utilisation of new renewable energy (NRE). The airport is also supported by various utility devices that support the concept of environmentally friendly, such as LED lights, the use of sleep mode features on elevator, elevator, and travelator devices, as well as the use of building glass that can optimise the efficiency of air conditioning use in the passenger terminal area.
“Jenderal Ahmad Yani Semarang International Airport is also one of Angkasa Pura I’s airports that successfully achieved the Gold category GREENSHIP building certificate from the Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI). In addition, it is the second airport in Indonesia that has successfully achieved certification in applying environmentally friendly principles,” Purwawidada said. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: General Ahmad Yani Airport Semarang utilises Solar Power Plant (SPPs) as a source of electricity in several buildings. (Source: PT Angkasa Pura I General Ahmad Yani Semarang International Airport Branch Office)