PLN Operates PLTS Worth IDR 14.3 Billion On The Outer Island Of Sumbawa

Construction of a solar power plant (PLTS) with a capacity of 314 kilowatt peaks built by PT PLN (Persero) on Medang Island, one of the remote islands in Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara. (ANTARA/HO-PLN)

MATARAM - PT PLN (Persero) operates a hybrid solar power plant (PLTS) worth Rp. 14.3 billion to electrify residents on Medang Island, Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, for 24 hours without stopping.

"This is a form of PLN's commitment to electrify remote areas of the country and optimizing new and renewable energy (EBT)," said General Manager of PLN's NTB Regional Main Unit, Sudjarwo, as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, August 17.

He explained that the construction of PLTS on Medang Island aims to anticipate the burden which will certainly increase. In addition, as an effort to achieve the target of the NRE mix of 23 percent by 2025.

In the development process, said Sudjarwo, his party was faced with the challenge of quite a long distance and also weather factors. Access to Medang Island can only be reached by boat. This affects the mobilization of PV mini-grid instruments and components.

"With the operation of the PLTS, the wheels of the economy are moving, the welfare of the community is getting better. Businesses that were originally manual can make good use of electricity. The tourism industry, small business actors and creative economic business opportunities can also grow well," he said.

Currently, he said, the number of PLN customers on Medang Island is 720 customers, which are dominated by fishing households.

Prior to the operation of the PLTS, residents on the 4.35 square kilometer area of Medang Island could enjoy electricity for 24 hours. Electricity is supplied from four diesel engines with a total installed capacity of 460 kilowatts (KW), with an average peak load of 160 KW.

The PLTS on Medang Island has a capacity of 314 kilo watts peak which is equipped with a battery with a capacity of 550 kilo watt hours and also an inverter.

"The presence of the PLTS is expected to supply the electricity needs of remote island communities with clean energy," he said.

The Head of the NTB Energy and Mineral Resources Office, Zaenal Abidin, appreciated the efforts made by PLN to electrify remote areas and outer islands in NTB.

"This is certainly an extraordinary step from PLN. Not only providing electricity, but successfully bringing clean energy to the outer islands of NTB," he said.