Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company, PLN, has announced ambitious plans to construct a massive green super grid costing approximately 25 billion USD. This grid aims to interconnect renewable energy sources across the archipelago nation, marking a pivotal step towards sustainable energy and achieving its net-zero emissions goal by 2060.
Darmawan Prasodjo, Director of PLN, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating that the grid’s development will facilitate Indonesia’s transition to renewable energy. The proposed 50,000 km transmission network is expected to integrate various renewable sources, including 19.6 GW from hydroelectric power, 16.5 GW from solar energy, 11.3 GW from wind power, and 7.1 GW from geothermal energy.
In addition to bolstering domestic renewable energy capacity, Prasodjo highlighted the grid’s potential to enhance regional cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He expressed optimism about Indonesia’s ability to export surplus electricity to neighboring countries, thus solidifying its position as a key energy player in the region.
Director General Dadan Kusdiana of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources underscored the necessity of robust infrastructure to fully exploit Indonesia’s renewable energy potential. He emphasized that current infrastructure limitations hinder the distribution of renewable energy across the country.
Indonesia, a nation heavily reliant on coal, oil, and gas, has been striving to diversify its energy mix. Last year, renewable sources accounted for only 13% of the country’s energy output, according to data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The green super grid project aims to substantially increase this share by facilitating the efficient transmission of renewable energy from production sites to urban centers and industrial hubs.
The initiative aligns with Indonesia’s broader environmental commitments and global climate objectives. By investing in a comprehensive transmission infrastructure, PLN seeks to overcome geographical challenges and ensure reliable energy supply to all corners of the sprawling archipelago.
