Indonesia is advancing its renewable energy agenda with the development of its first ocean current power plant (PLTAL), a project valued at USD 220 million (IDR 3.57 trillion). Expected to generate 40 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, the initiative forms part of the government’s 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL).
According to the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the project will be located in East Nusa Tenggara, with each of the two designated sites expected to contribute 20 MW of installed capacity.
The project will be carried out in partnership with international firms, including SBS Indonesia and NOVA Innovation from the UK, working in collaboration with PT Pertamina Power Indonesia and Tidal Bridge from the Netherlands. These companies are recognized for their expertise in developing marine renewable energy technologies.
Indonesia’s development plan identifies five marine-based technologies for ocean energy generation: tidal power, wave energy, ocean current power, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), and salinity gradient power. These approaches aim to harness natural marine resources to support the country’s clean energy goals.
The PLTAL initiative forms part of Indonesia’s long-term strategy to expand its power capacity by 69.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2034. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), renewable energy and storage solutions are projected to account for 76% of all new power generation under this plan.
Indonesia’s energy development targets encompass a total of 42.6 GW from renewable sources, 10.3 GW from energy storage systems, and 16.6 GW from fossil fuels. The renewable energy breakdown includes 17.1 GW from solar, 11.7 GW from hydropower, 7.2 GW from wind, 5.2 GW from geothermal, 0.9 GW from bioenergy, and 0.5 GW from nuclear. Energy storage targets consist of 6 GW from battery systems and 4.3 GW from pumped hydro. Meanwhile, fossil fuel capacity includes 10.3 GW from natural gas and 6.3 GW from coal.
As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia possesses significant potential for ocean-based renewable energy. The development of the PLTAL represents a groundbreaking initiative to harness the country’s natural marine currents as a reliable source of electricity.
By incorporating advanced marine technologies into its energy infrastructure, Indonesia is advancing toward greater energy independence while also setting a precedent for other coastal nations pursuing sustainable power solutions.
(Source: Indonesia Business Post)
