Jakarta, INTI - The Riau Islands Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Agency (ESDM) has announced that six community-based Solar Power Plants (PLTS) are now operational, providing electricity to residents on several remote outer islands that are not yet connected to the national power grid operated by PLN.
According to M. Darwin, Head of the Riau Islands ESDM Agency, the six community solar power systems are distributed across the region, with three units located in Batam City, two in Lingga Regency, and one in Karimun Regency.
Expanding Electricity Access to Remote Islands
The community solar installations were developed by PT PLN to serve inhabited islands that have not yet received electricity through the main transmission network.
Each solar power system is capable of supplying electricity to hundreds of households. One example is the solar facility on Panjang Island in Batam, which serves more than 200 families.
Each household is allocated approximately 1,000 kWh of electricity, requiring residents to manage their energy consumption according to their daily household needs.
“Residents are encouraged to use electricity efficiently to ensure the solar power system can operate continuously around the clock. The use of lighting, fans, televisions, and other appliances should be carefully managed,” Darwin said.
The community solar power plants in the Riau Islands utilize battery storage systems as their primary energy reserve component.
Operating independently from the main grid, the systems capture solar energy during daylight hours and store it in battery banks for later use.
The stored energy is then distributed to meet the electricity needs of local communities, particularly during nighttime hours.
To maintain a reliable electricity supply, the government has also prepared diesel generators as backup power sources when cloudy or rainy weather reduces the solar panels’ ability to generate energy.
“We have also prepared generator units to ensure electricity remains available for residents of the outer islands whenever solar generation is limited due to overcast or rainy conditions,” he added.
Supporting Indonesia’s Clean Energy Transition
The deployment of solar power plants forms part of broader efforts to support the global energy transition and achieve Net Zero Emissions targets.
The technology is considered an effective solution for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions, and minimizing operational carbon footprints across various sectors.
From an operational perspective, solar energy systems are also viewed as more cost-efficient than fuel-based power generation, despite requiring higher initial investments for solar panels and battery storage infrastructure.
“Solar power is effective in reducing electricity costs while offering a more environmentally friendly energy solution,” Darwin stated.
The Riau Islands Provincial Government, in collaboration with PLN, plans to further expand the deployment of community solar power systems through the Kepri Terang program.
The initiative prioritizes communities living on outer islands, frontier islands, underdeveloped islands, and other areas that still lack access to reliable electricity services.
The expansion of solar power infrastructure in the Riau Islands also supports the national clean energy mix targets established by the central government, contributing to Indonesia’s broader sustainable energy development agenda.
Conclusion
The operation of six community-based solar power plants across the Riau Islands marks a significant step toward improving electricity access in Indonesia’s remote island communities while advancing the country’s clean energy ambitions. By providing reliable off-grid power, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and supporting national renewable energy targets, the initiative demonstrates how solar technology can play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life in underserved regions.
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