Jakarta – PT Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE) is preparing to build a solar power plant specifically for seafood cooling facilities, as part of accelerating clean energy and boosting the fishing industry’s economy.
In a written statement on Tuesday, 4 November, Pertamina NRE stated that this initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Merah Putih Cooperative, in line with the government’s programme to develop solar energy on a national scale. Pertamina NRE CEO John Anis said that the installation of solar power plants would be carried out in stages, targeting 82 fishing villages throughout Indonesia.
“Pertamina NRE will build a solar power plant for cold storage for fishermen. We will assist the Prabowo administration’s 100 GW programme, which is expected to cover 82 villages with the Merah Putih Cooperative,” he said at the inauguration of the solar power plant for fishermen in Cilamaya, Karawang.
According to John, this programme not only provides clean energy but also serves as a model for renewable energy-based economic empowerment. With cold storage that can operate without relying on fossil fuels, fishermen can store their catch for longer and no longer have to sell their fish at low prices.
“Once they have cold storage or refrigerators, prices can rise by 10–20 per cent. We have surveyed this,” he said.
The solar power cold storage programme is planned to be tested first through a pilot project in two coastal villages in Sumatra in early 2026. Pertamina NRE will assist the community with installation, technical training, and maintenance.
“We provide support and education. We don’t want them installed only to be neglected and eventually abandoned. Even though they can now operate independently, we will still visit from time to time to ensure that everything is running smoothly,” said John.
Pertamina NRE considers fishing villages to be the most strategic locations for accelerating solar energy adoption due to their high electricity needs, particularly for storing catches, which has been a significant weakness for small-scale fishermen.
This step also aligns with the government’s policy of promoting solar energy development. President Prabowo has previously called for accelerating renewable energy programmes, including the construction of solar power plants with a capacity of up to 100 gigawatts. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, said the project would involve national industries and international investors.
“Because the 100 gigawatt panel project is quite large, while our industry’s capacity here is no more than 5 gigawatts per year. Therefore, we will definitely seek foreign investors and collaborate with national entrepreneurs and state-owned enterprises, including PLN,” said Bahlil.
Pertamina NRE stated that it is ready to contribute to this acceleration through clean energy projects that have a direct impact on the community. If the solar-powered cold storage model is successful, the company believes this programme will be easily replicated in other coastal areas affected by electricity shortages. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: liyuhan/shutterstock.com
