"We will use solar power as the backbone of renewable energy," Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif noted in a statement on Monday.
The program to use PLTS as the backbone of clean energy cannot be separated from Indonesia's geographical location on the equator, thereby providing the potential for abundant solar radiation resources.
Based on calculations of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Indonesian solar energy potential totals 3,294 gigawatt-peak (GWp). The government will optimize this potential by building PLTS in residential areas, open fields, and savannas while excluding development in protected forest areas.
This huge potential is also supported by solar radiation that can reach more than 3.75 kWh per square meter per day, thereby aiding in optimal functioning of solar panels to generate electricity.
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In the next four decades, Indonesia will need an investment of US$169,703 million to build PLTS, with a capacity of 361 gigawatts, or 61 percent of the total clean energy capacity at that time of 587 gigawatts.
The calculation of the investment according to the capacity of the soon-to-be installed PLTS refers to the carbon emission reduction target in the energy sector.
Moreover, the Indonesian government has explicitly stated that it will stop operating steam-electric power plant (PLTUs) fueled by coal starting in 2030.
"To meet the demand for electrical energy and to achieve the national emission target, we are targeting to install 587 new renewable energy plants by 2060," the minister stated.
Furthermore, Tasrif is optimistic that Indonesia's current renewable energy development roadmap would attract investors to invest in clean electricity projects.
"This is the road map that we have planned. We are optimistic that this would attract investors to join our project. Our targets are ambitious enough to be implemented," he affirmed.
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Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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