13/03/26
Indonesia to build 100GW solar power plant
Indonesia to build 100GW solar power plant
Singapore, 13 March (Argus) — Indonesia aims to build a 100GW solar plant as
part of plans to accelerate the development of new and renewable energy to
strengthen the country's energy security. Indonesia's president Prabowo Subianto
has identified the development of large-scale solar power plants and the
electric motor conversion programme — which promotes the switch to electric
vehicles, especially for motorcyles — as short-term acceleration priorities, the
energy ministry (ESDM) said on 12 March. In line with this, Prabowo has ordered
the construction of a 100GW solar plant, to "implement the electrification of
renewable energy from solar power in the shortest possible time," he said. No
further details such as costs or timelines were provided. "We already have the
intention of achieving energy self-sufficiency, which we are confident will be
achieved within four years," said Prabowo, adding "with this acceleration, we
are confident that this energy problem can be resolved." Prabowo had previously
announced a plan for 100GW of solar power, consisting of 80GW of decentralised
solar systems equipped with battery storage . Energy supply concerns The
announcement comes on the back of rising concerns about the disruption of energy
supplies in the wake of the US-Iran war, which has effectively halted shipping
through the Mideast Gulf and the strait of Hormuz ꟷ the waterway through which
14mn b/d of crude and 6mn b/d of refined products transited before the conflict
began. Many countries are facing a more severe energy crisis than Indonesia, and
Indonesia has abundant alternative energy sources, Prabowo said. "We have
abundant palm oil, sufficient cassava, and we can get fuel from corn and sugar
cane. Our brothers and sisters have vast geothermal resources. If I'm not
mistaken, these are the two largest reserves in the world that have not yet been
fully exploited," he said. National fuel supply is currently secure, energy
minister Bahlil Lahadalia said on 11 March, as production and distribution
continue to meet public demand in accordance with government-set operational
stock standards. But Indonesia's domestic fuel storage tank capacity is
currently limited. "Our capacity is no more than 25 days," Bahlil said, adding
that available stocks are sufficient for 23 days. But this does not necessarily
mean the supply will run out within 23 days, and simply reflects the stock
capacity held in the storage tank at any given time, he emphasised. He stressed
that ongoing refinery output and continued import volumes would ensure a steady
flow of supply. Indonesia is also not solely dependent on the Mideast Gulf for
fuel, he added. The country gets most of its volumes from domestic refinery
production as well as imports from Singapore and Malaysia. In the long term, the
government aims to raise storage capacity . Plans include the construction of
new storage infrastructure that can hold at least three months' worth of fuel.
By Prethika Nair and Aldric Chew Send comments and request more information at
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