Jakarta – PLN is promoting a smart grid and inter-island grid development strategy over the next decade as part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the majority of the 71 gigawatts (GW) of additional electricity capacity until 2034 is sourced from renewable energy.
SOE Minister Erick Thohir emphasized that this major step is the government’s commitment in realizing an environmentally friendly electricity system for future generations.
“The increase in electricity capacity dominated by renewable energy is a tangible form of our commitment to energy transition. The goal is not only about sustainability, but also creating a positive impact on the environment and a better future,” Erick said on Tuesday, January 14, during a meeting to discuss PT PLN’s (Persero) 2025-2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL).
PLN plans to integrate electricity capacity from renewable energy sources on various islands through the development of an inter-island grid. This will allow regions such as Sumatra and Kalimantan, which are rich in green energy potential, to supply electricity needs to the island of Java, which is the largest energy consumption center in Indonesia.
Meanwhile, SOE Minister Kartika Wirjoatmodjo said that this strategy will be supported by smart grid technology, a system that enables efficient and integrated energy distribution.
“Through smart grid, we ensure that energy supply from renewable sources is more stable and can be accessed evenly by the community. Interconnection between islands such as Sumatra-Java and Kalimantan-Java will be the backbone of this energy distribution,” explained the man who is familiarly called Tiko.
According to Tiko, the addition of 71 GW of electricity capacity over the next ten years will be an important milestone in PLN’s plan to shift energy dependence from fossil to renewable energy.
“Of the total 71 GW to be added, more than 70 percent will come from renewable energy. This is a big step to ensure energy security as well as environmental sustainability,” he added.
PLN also ensures that the construction of this new network goes hand in hand with healthy financial capabilities.
“We want to ensure that PLN remains financially healthy, so that it can support the development of renewable energy capacity and distribute electricity in a sustainable manner,” Kartika said.
To support this move, the government is finalizing the 2025-2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), which is expected to be the blueprint for energy sector development over the next decade.
“This RUPTL will be the main guide in realizing the energy transition target. We are discussing the finalization with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Minister of Finance, and it is planned to be completed this month,” said Tiko. (Hartatik)