Green Electricity for Papua

Green Electricity for Papua

The State-owned Electricity Company, PT PLN (Persero) is trying to resolve geographical challenges in Papua so that electricity coverage in the region is increasingly widespread. To that end, PLN launched the 1,000 Renewable Energy for Papua program to achieve an electrification ratio of 100 percent by 2020.
.
This initiative is the sequel to the Bright Papua Expedition movement in August to September 2018. The expedition collects demographic and geographical data regarding the preparation of the most effective plan to electrify hundreds of villages in the provinces of Papua and West Papua.
.
"There are still around 1,724 villages that are completely dark out of the 7,358 villages, so PLN is launching the 1,000 Renewable Energy for Papua program as a follow-up to the Papua Light Expedition," said Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation F.X. Sutijasto in launching this program in Jakarta, Friday (10/18/2019).
.
Renewable energy was chosen because based on PLN's survey there are four potential New Renewable Energy (EBT) in Papua, namely Pikohidro Electric Power Plant, Electric Tube, Solar Power Plant with solar panels that can function for up to 20 years, and Biomass Power Plant which can light up 200 houses.
.
With geographical challenges, very low occupancy density, and limited infrastructure, the 1,000 Renewable Energy for Papua Program is seen as the most effective solution for accelerating electrification in Papua and West Papua through the implementation of the Wireless Electricity model.
.
Optimization of local energy based on renewable energy (EBT) is also expected to improve the performance of the Energy Mix while reducing the Cost of Electricity Supply (BPP).
.
Based on data from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Electriflation Ratio (RE) in Papua Province is currently 94.28 percent and West Papua 99.99 percent. If accumulated, the eletrification ratio in the two provinces is 95.75 percent.
.
The estimated electrification ratio at the end of 2019 in the Papua Province is 96.79 percent and West Papua Province is 99.99 percent, with an additional 399 villages electrified by PLN and 230 LTSHE villages.