PLN targets to build 13,000 MW plants using renewable energy

By Godang Sitompul

State owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has targeted to develop a total of 13,000 MW power generation capacity using renewable energy within eight years.

Mochammad Sofyan, Head of New and Renewable Energy Division at PLN, told reporters on Thursday that the firm has targeted power plants with renewable energy will account for 20 percent of the national installed power generation capacity in 2021.

?(In order to reach the target), a total of 13,000 MW power plants with renewable energy have to be built from now through 2021,? he said, adding that around $77.3 billion investment is needed to develop projects, with independent power producers (IPP) expected to contribute 47 percent.

He said PLN will focus on hydroenergy, geothermal energy and solar energy for power generation.

Once all the renewable power plants have come into operation in 2021, the emission factor of Indonesian power plant sector will drop to 0.724 kg Co2/kWh from 0.762 kg Co2/kWh, he said.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon