PLN Inaugurates Ground-Mounted Solar Power Plant in West Java, Marking a Milestone in Indonesia’s Clean Energy Transition

The largest ground-mounted solar power plant in Indonesia with a capacity of 100 megawatt peak (MWp) in the Bukit Indah City Industrial Area, Purwakarta Regency, West Java. FILE: PLN
The largest ground-mounted solar power plant in Indonesia, a 100 megawatt peak (MWp) facility located in the Kota Bukit Indah (KBI) Industrial Area in Purwakarta, West Java, is now officially operational.
In a significant move towards Indonesia’s clean energy goals, State electricity company PT PLN, through its subsidiary PT PLN Batam, along with solar power technology provider PT Aruna Cahaya Pratama, inaugurated a 100 Megawatt peak (MWp) ground-mounted solar power plant in Purwakarta, West Java, on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The new solar plant, the largest of its kind in Indonesia, is expected to play a key role in reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.

RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS 

A Milestone in Energy Transition

Susiwijono Moegiarso, Secretary at the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, emphasized the government’s dedication to sustainable energy development at the inauguration ceremony. “The solar power plant can produce clean energy that will reduce carbon emissions equivalent to 118,725 tons of CO2 per year,” Susiwijono stated. He highlighted that the project has been designated as a National Strategic Project, reinforcing Indonesia’s commitment to expanding large-scale renewable energy sources.
Jisman P. Hutajulu, Director General of Electricity at the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry, lauded PLN’s collaborative approach in advancing clean energy initiatives. “Today’s inauguration is not just about a power plant; it is a milestone in our efforts to transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable future,” he said. Jisman also commended the consortium for completing the construction of the solar plant in just seven months, demonstrating the potential for rapid development of renewable energy infrastructure.

PLN’s Commitment to Combat Climate Change

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo reiterated the company’s commitment to addressing global climate change through the adoption of new and renewable energy sources. “With the spirit of preserving the earth, we are here with pride. This ground-mounted 100 MWp solar power plant in Bukit Indah City is a testament to our collaborative efforts,” Darmawan stated. He emphasized that the project represents a critical step in PLN’s broader strategy to increase the share of renewable energy in Indonesia’s power mix.
The inauguration of the solar power plant in Purwakarta reflects Indonesia’s broader ambitions to pivot towards sustainable energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint. As the country continues to develop its renewable energy capacity, projects like this serve as both symbols and practical steps of Indonesia’s commitment to a greener future. The government’s support and the collaborative efforts of state-owned enterprises and private companies will be crucial in driving forward this energy transition, setting a precedent for further advancements in the region’s renewable energy landscape.

Lead image courtesy of PLN (The largest ground-mounted solar power plant in Indonesia with a capacity of 100 megawatt peak (MWp) in the Bukit Indah City Industrial Area, Purwakarta Regency, West Java.)