Solar energy use spreads to smaller Indonesian islands

Indonesia’s outer islands prepare to receive renewable energy.

State-owned electricity distribution monopoly PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) turns its attention to developing the Solar Power Electricity Center. The largest of these eco-friendly power plants operated by PLN is a hybrid generator with a capacity of 600 kiloWatt peak (kWp) in Daruba, Morotai Islands, North Moluccas.

The solar plant was recently commissioned by PLN Director of Operations in Eastern Indonesia, Vickner Sinaga. It is expected to reduce the use of fuel-based fuel by 800 liters per day.

“This is the largest (solar plant) operated by PLN nationwide,” he said. “It’s expected that the plant is able to boost the economy of Morotai residents.”

PLN will proceed with the development of renewable energy to boost electrification and reduce fossil-based fuel dependency. It intends to improve the supply of electricity by prioritizing the development of non-fossil-based fuel power plants, especially in the eastern regions of Indonesia.

The operation of these solar power plants is a part of the company's program to provide electricity to Indonesia’s 100 outer islands by 2014.