Jakarta, INTI - PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy (NSHE) emphasized that the construction of the Batang Toru Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) is not only aimed at increasing the supply of new and renewable energy, but also at strengthening the reliability of the electricity system in Sumatra.
The company estimates that the operation of PLTA Batang Toru will reduce CO2 emissions by up to 1.9 million tons per year in the Sumatran interconnected system, which is still dominated by fossil-fueled power plants, particularly coal.
PT NSHE’s Design Construction Manager, Arwan Kahfi, explained that PLTA Batang Toru is built using run-of-river technology, utilizing the flow of the Batang Toru River as the primary energy source. This technology is combined with a daily pondage system, enabling it to generate large amounts of electricity without the need for a large reservoir.
Batang Toru Hydroelectric Power Plant’s Capability
Arwan stated that one of the advantages of PLTA Batang Toru is its high ramping rate capability, which allows for rapid increases in output power when the system requires additional electricity supply.
"Through this approach, PT NSHE not only provides power plants that support the provision of new and renewable energy, but is also able to meet the needs of the electricity system through the responsive characteristics of the power plants. The high ramping rate capability allows the power plants to operate immediately when needed, thus playing a role in supporting the reliability and stability of the electricity system," said Arwan in a statement on Saturday, July 18, 2026.
According to him, this capability is crucial for Sumatra's interconnection system, especially when the grid requires additional power supply quickly. He assessed that the blackout that occurred in Sumatra in May demonstrated the importance of having power plants that can accelerate system recovery, in addition to being supported by a reliable transmission network.
Arwan added that the implementation of a run-of-river system combined with daily regulation allows for the use of smaller reservoirs because they do not function as annual reservoirs. This approach still produces optimal generation capacity while prioritizing safety and operational risk management.
Environmental and Social Aspects
In addition to the technical aspects, NSHE emphasized that the construction of PLTA Batang Toru also takes environmental and social aspects into account to ensure the project is carried out responsibly and provides long-term benefits for the surrounding community.
Arwan stated that the development of PLTA Batang Toru is part of an effort to provide renewable energy power plants that maintain a balance between energy needs and environmental preservation.
Going forward, NSHE hopes that PLTA Batang Toru will increase public understanding of hydroelectric power development, from operational readiness and implementation of safety standards to the company's commitment to providing reliable, clean energy to support the strengthening of the national electricity system.
Conclusion
PT North Sumatera Hydro Energy stated that the construction of PLTA Batangtoru aims to strengthen the supply of new renewable energy while increasing the reliability of the electricity system in Sumatra. NSHE estimates that the operation of the PLTA can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 1.9 million tons per year in the Sumatran interconnection system, which is still dominated by coal-fired power plants.
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