Jakarta – PT PLN (Persero) has unveiled plans to build a green transmission network of 70,000 circuit kilometres (ckm) that will distribute electricity from renewable energy (NRE) sources to remote areas across Indonesia. In a press statement on Wednesday, November 13, the company said that the initiative aims to support the energy transition while ensuring reliable and sustainable access to electricity across Indonesia, including hard-to-reach areas.
PLN’s Director of Transmission and System Planning, Evy Haryadi, revealed that this transmission infrastructure is part of the Green Enabling Transmission Line project. This project will be the backbone of distributing green electricity, especially from renewable energy plants such as Solar Power Plants (PLTS) and Wind Power Plants (PLTB).
“This green transmission network will be an important foundation for developing renewable energy in Indonesia. With a total length of 70,000 km, we can deliver green electricity to demand centres, even in remote areas with great potential for NRE,” Evy said.
Smart grid and green infrastructure for the future
In addition to developing transmission networks, PLN is also preparing to implement smart grid technology to overcome the challenges of intermittency from renewable-based power plants. This technology will help maintain electricity system stability by integrating electricity supply from fluctuating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
PLN projects that the development of this green transmission network will have a significant economic impact, especially in eastern Indonesia, which has high renewable energy potential. This will include creating many jobs and encouraging the growth of industries related to clean energy technology.
Evy Haryadi cited areas such as Papua and Maluku that have been planned as locations for developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs). “With this green transmission, we can ensure sufficient and sustainable energy supply for SEZs in Sorong, Timika, and Raja Ampat. The addition of one gigawatt of generating capacity in Papua alone is estimated to increase Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) by 240%,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Eniya Listiani Dewi, Director General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources revealed that Indonesia has great potential in the renewable energy sector, reaching 13.8 terawatts (TW). According to her, PLN’s green transmission project aligns with the government’s efforts to maximise the use of renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil energy.
The government has fully supported this initiative, given the importance of energy transition to achieving the economic growth target of 8% per year. Eniya Listiani Dewi added that cooperation between the government, PLN, and the private sector will be key in accelerating green infrastructure development in Indonesia.
“We will continue to encourage collaboration with various parties. Developing this green transmission network is a strategic step to ensure that we achieve clean energy targets and create inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” Eniya concluded. (Hartatik)
