Indonesia plans to construct Southeast Asia's largest solar power plant.

DNHN - A senior Indonesian official stated that the country will have the largest integrated solar power plant in the region, but the investor's identity remains unknown.

Transformation to utilize solar energy in Indonesia is required.

 Indonesia is an energy-dependent nation that continues to rely heavily on coal. Coal accounts for more than forty percent of the energy mix and sixty percent of the nation's total 73,000MW of power generation capacity. This makes achieving zero carbon emissions by 2060 significantly more difficult for Indonesia. At the same time, a lack of grid infrastructure and an unstable electricity supply network is to blame for frequent power outages and a dearth of usable electricity in this country. Coal-based electricity, whether for residential or industrial use, is not economically viable.

To achieve its ambitious manufacturing and construction goals, Indonesia has made harnessing its vast solar energy potential a top priority.

According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), the population of this country is expected to reach 335 million by 2050, while the electricity demand will rise. increased by at least fivefold, surpassing 1,700 TWh. Meanwhile, hydroelectricity and geothermal energy are more prevalent than solar energy. Despite being a tropical archipelago with 17,000 islands and year-round sunshine, Indonesia ranks last among the G20 nations for solar power capacity. Only 11-14 percent of Indonesia's total energy comes from renewable sources. To reach the target of 23% by 2025 and 31% by 2050, population and economic growth must outpace Indonesia's energy consumption growth.

On the other hand, according to the country's Ministry of Energy, Indonesia is capable of producing 400,000 MW of solar energy. Indonesia aims to abandon coal and become carbon neutral by 2060 or earlier. As a result, the government in this country is becoming increasingly interested in and receptive to solar energy investments, creating favorable conditions for their promotion.

Indonesia plans to construct Southeast Asia's largest solar power plant.

"An important announcement regarding the operation of the largest integrated solar plant in the region will be forthcoming. Dadan Kusdiana, Director General of the Department of Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy, stated at the ASEAN Summit on Energy that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo will launch the project by the end of this month or early August. The use of solar energy in Jakarta.

The new plant is anticipated to assist Indonesia and ASEAN in achieving the target of 23% renewable energy consumption and even reaching the target of zero emissions, according to Dadan.

Regarding the above plan, Indonesian authorities did not disclose a great deal of information. However, he also divulged information about the partner with whom Indonesia will construct this factory. Specifically, the above-mentioned unknown investor had previously traveled to Indonesia to determine the location of the factory's construction.

"If you wish to inquire about the plant's capacity, it will be greater than 10 gigawatts. Our partner currently controls a sizeable portion of the global solar cell manufacturing market, according to Dadan.

Indonesia desires to study Vietnam's expertise and methods in the field of renewable energy.

Deputy General Director of Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) Ngo Son Hai met and collaborated with the Indonesian Embassy in Vietnam and Indonesia Electricity Corporation (PLN) in February 2023. Indonesia requests that the Vietnam Electricity Group share its expertise in attracting investment in renewable energy sources, as well as its expertise in the safe operation of power systems with a high proportion of renewable energy, operation planning, and real-time operation.

Mr. Darmawan Prasodjo, General Director of Electricity of Indonesia, also lauded Vietnam's accomplishments in adapting and efficiently operating its power system, which is comprised of approximately 27% renewable energy sources. Mr. Darmawan Prasodjo wished to facilitate the exchange of technical team and personnel experiences between the two parties so that PLN could be best prepared for the future development of renewable energy.

Mr. Ngo Son Hai stated that the Electricity of Vietnam Group is prepared to collaborate with PLN in the spirit of the mutual interests of the two countries, for the advancement of the electricity industries in both nations. The electricity of Vietnam and PLN executives have expressed their confidence in future cooperation. The parties agreed to continue discussing and elaborating on the contents so that they can move swiftly towards a specific and fruitful cooperation.

Ha Vu