PLN Boss Calls Use Of Renewable Energy Certificates Up 75 Percent

President Director of PLN Darmawan (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) (PLN) noted that the total use of renewable energy certificates (REC) or renewable energy certificates in 2023 reached 3.08 terawatt hour (TWh). This achievement increased by 75 percent compared to the realization in 2022 of 1.76 TWh.

Meanwhile, since its launch in 2020 until the end of 2023, PLN's total REC sales have been more than 5 TWh.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo explained, REC is the answer to the need for decarbonization steps, especially in the industrial and business sectors. The demands of the times for products produced through clean energy are the key to industrial competitiveness today.

REC is a form of PLN's service to make it easier for customers to get recognition of the use of new and renewable energy (EBT) which is transparent, accountable, and recognized internationally.

Each REC certificate proves that electricity per megawatt hour (MWh) used by customers comes from EBT or non-fosil generators.

"PLN as the leader of the sector for accelerating the use of new and renewable energy will support the competitiveness of the national industry by encouraging the use of clean energy as a base for electricity. We present a procurement option for the fulfillment of targets up to 100 percent of the use of renewable energy," Darmawan continued, quoting Antara.

By the end of 2023, there were 296 customers who had used the REC PLN. Industry and business sectors in West Java, Banten, East Java and DKI Jakarta are the ones who use the REC the most.

PLN stated that REC is proof of ownership of an international standard certificate for electricity production generated from renewable energy plants.

The REC from PLN uses an electronic tracking system from APX TIGRs located in California, United States (US) to ensure that once the certificate is issued, it cannot be purchased or sold to other parties. The entire process has also been verified to meet international standards.

Currently, there are four PLN plants that are ready to supply green electricity for REC customers, namely the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) located in the Java, Madura, and Bali electricity systems; PLTP Lahendong and the Bakaru Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) which are included in the Sulawesi electricity system and PLTP Ulubelu which are included in the Sumatra electricity system.

REC can also encourage the growth of EBT plants to meet the energy mix target and as PLN's responsibility to provide clean electricity for current and future generations.