The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) will develop Hydroelectric Power Plants (PLTA) and Mini Hydro Plants (PLTM) in Aceh and North Sumatra aimed at converting the current gas-based electricity system into renewable energy-based system.
“The initiative is driven by the abundant water potential in the region. Aceh and North Sumatra have almost 5 GW (Gigawatt) potential,” ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif said during a visit to the Directorate General of Oil and Gas office on Friday, August 2, 2024.
The government’s plan to develop PLTA/PLTM in Northern Sumatra is outlined in the draft General Plan for Electricity Supply (RUPTL) 2024-2033. The RUPTL targets the utilization of 586 GW of PLTA/PLTM in Northern Sumatra, considering the balance of supply and demand.
In addition to the PLTA/PLTM quota in North Sumatra, the draft RUPTL 2024-2033 includes a quota for scattered PLTA in Sumatra with a capacity of 1,200 MW.
However, no additional PLTA/PLTM quota will be allocated for Aceh due to transmission infrastructure constraints. Arifin encouraged private sector involvement in investing in electricity transmission infrastructure there.
“A lot of transmission infrastructure needs to be built [in Aceh]. We hope the private sector can participate through mutually beneficial cooperation,” he added.
