The Selayar hybrid solar power station is located in Parak village, Bontomanai sub-district, Selayar district, a popular tourism destination in South Sulawesi.
General manager of PLN’s regional units in South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi, Awaluddin Hafid, said that the company's decision to develop a hybrid solar power station in Selayar is aimed at increasing the percentage of electricity produced through renewable energy sources in South Sulawesi.
"We also aim to enhance the reliability of the electricity system in Selayar Island and reduce fossil energy utilization," Hafid explained.
The PLN-owned solar power station has been constructed on 1.46-hectares of land at a cost of Rp39.5 billion (US$2.76 million), he informed.
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The new solar power station will bolster the ability of power stations in Selayar Island to reach the maximum power capability of 11.65 megawatts (MW), with the electricity peak load expected to reach up to 6.4 MW, leaving a 5.25-MW electricity backup, the general manager informed.
The hybrid solar power station is also expected to contribute to the national effort to reduce dependence on fossil energy and lower carbon emissions by 1,400 tons of CO2 annually, he added.
He then expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the solar hybrid power station’s construction. He said he hoped their support would continue after the power station becomes operational.
"We also hope Selayar hybrid solar power station would become a tourist destination in Selayar, besides of its renowned undersea beauty, as well as enhancing economic activities among residents that will enjoy reliable electricity system," Hafid remarked.
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Translator: Nur Suhra W, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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