• 3 PLTAs in Indonesia have a power of more than 500 Megawatts
• The Vital Role of Hydroelectric Power in the Country’s Transition to a Cleaner and More Sustainable Energy Future
• Advancements in Renewable Energy Targets and Power Plant Distribution in Indonesia

Indonesia’s abundant water resources present a tremendous opportunity for harnessing hydroelectric power as a renewable energy source. As the country seeks to transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, hydroelectric power plays a vital role. Indonesia is making significant strides in its renewable energy sector with the upcoming completion of its largest hydropower plant (PLTA). With a capacity exceeding 500 megawatts, this groundbreaking project showcases Indonesia’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy sources.

The Rise of Hydropower and Renewable Energy in Indonesia

The Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Dadan Kusdiana, has verified the achievement of this target with PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) in 2022. The amount reaches around 700 MW integrated into the PLN system. This step continues to be emphasized to achieve the target of blending new, renewable, and conservation energy (EBT) of 23 percent by 2025.

Regarding the type, power plants are still dominated by Steam Power Plants (PLTU) with a share of 50 percent. While the Steam Gas Power Plant (PLTGU) has a share of 17 percent, the Gas/Gas Turbine Power Plant (PLTG/MG) by 11 percent, Diesel Power Plant (PLTD) by 7 percent, Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) by 3 percent, and Hydro/Micro-hydro Power Plants (PLTA/M/MH) by 9 percent. The remaining 3 percent is another New Renewable Power Plant (PLT EBT).

Baca Juga:

---

• Yuk Berkenalan Dengan PLTA Terbesar Di Indonesia!
• Micro-hydro Power Plant in Talunombo Village Utilizes Irrigation flow as a Source Energy

---

Indonesia showcases multiple remarkable instances of 3 PLTA projects with power capacities exceeding 500 Megawatts. These ventures are noteworthy engineering accomplishments and significantly contribute to the nation’s energy sector. By harnessing their substantial power generation capabilities, these 3 PLTA initiatives play a pivotal role in addressing the increasing energy needs of Indonesia while actively fostering sustainable development in the area.

PLTA in Indonesia, which has a capacity of more than 500 Megawatts 

There are some examples of 3 PLTA in Indonesia that have more than 500 Megawatts:

1.PLTA Cirata= 1.008 MW

PLTA Cirata is Indonesia’s largest hydroelectric power plant, with an installed capacity of 1,008 MW. The Indonesian government built the Cirata hydropower plant with the primary objective of being a reservoir for agricultural irrigation and flood control in several areas of West Java. The location of the Cirata hydropower plant is in Purwakarta Regency, West Java.

Previously, the Cirata Hydroelectric Power Plant was the largest hydroelectric power plant in Southeast Asia for several years before being surpassed by the Son La Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant in Vietnam, which has an installed capacity of 2,500 MW. Until now, the Cirata hydropower plant still has an installed capacity of 1,008 MW.

2. PLTA Poso=515 MW

PLTA Poso, with an installed capacity of 515 MW, is located in Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, and harnesses the flow of the Poso River. The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, officially inaugurated the hydropower plant on February 25, 2022. PLTA Poso holds the largest installed capacity among the latest hydropower plants. Situated in Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, PLTA Poso utilizes the flow of the Poso River. The plant was directly inaugurated by the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo.

PLTA Poso was constructed and carried out under the auspices of PT Poso Energy, owned by the family of the former Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, commonly referred to as the Kalla Group. With an installed capacity of 515 MW, PLTA PT Poso Energy can supply electricity to four provinces, namely Central, South, Southeast, and West Sulawesi.

3. PLTA Batang Toru= 510 MW

PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy (NSHE) is a company that constructs and operates the Batang Toru Hydropower Plant in Sipirok Village, South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. The Batang Toru Hydropower Plant has a capacity of 4×127.5 MW, totaling 510 MW. The project commenced in 2015 and is targeted to be fully operational by 2022. The Batang Toru Hydropower Plant will provide a 15% electricity supply for the power needs of North Sumatra Province.

Located in Sipirok Village, South Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, the Batang Toru Hydropower Plant utilizes the flow of the Batang Toru River. It consists of four active turbines with a capacity of 4×127.5 MW, resulting in a total electricity generation of 510 MW.

Baca juga:

---

• Yuk Mengenal PLTA Modern di Cianjur!
• PLTA Raksasa di Jawa Barat Ini Resmi Dibangun

---

Hydropower plants, such as PLTA, possess numerous ecological advantages compared to other power plants. They represent a renewable energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants that could damage the environment.

Environmental Benefits of Hydropower

Additionally, hydropower plants operate without fuel, thereby avoiding the depletion of natural resources. Hydropower plants are recognized for their minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional power plants that rely heavily on fossil fuels. Hydropower plants produce only negligible amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases by harnessing the flow of water to generate electricity. Reducing emissions is crucial in combating climate change and lessening the overall carbon footprint.

Compared to power plants that burn fossil fuels, hydropower plants do not release harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or particulate matter. These pollutants significantly contribute to air pollution, smog formation, and respiratory health problems. The clean generation process of hydropower ensures excellent air quality, fostering healthier surroundings for communities and the environment.

The conclusion is the achievement of constructing Indonesia’s giant hydropower plant represents a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of renewable energy. This remarkable facility, characterized by its substantial capacity and renewable attributes, is a testament to Indonesia’s dedication to clean and sustainable energy sources. The project’s significant contributions to energy security, economic progress, and environmental sustainability firmly establish its position as a crucial catalyst for Indonesia’s transition towards cleaner energy. Furthermore, as Indonesia continues to tap into its renewable energy potential, the largest hydropower plant sets a precedent for future endeavors, demonstrating the practicality and viability of large-scale renewable energy generation within the country.

#zonaebt #sebarterbarukan #ebtheroes

Editor: Gabriel Angeline Farenita Kusuma Putri

Reference:

[1] PLTA Terbesar di Indonesia Tahun 2022, Kapasitas diatas 500 Megawatt

[2] PLTS Terapung Cirata, Masa Depan Energi Hijau di Indonesia

[3] PLTS Terapung Cirata, Calon Pembangkit EBT Terbesar di Indonesia dan Asia Tenggara