Jakarta, INTI - PT PLN outlined the technical challenges of integrating renewable energy into the Java-Madura-Bali (Jamali) electricity system as part of efforts to support Indonesia’s Net Zero Emission 2060 target. System reliability has become a major concern as the share of renewable power generation continues to increase.
The discussion was presented through the PLN Mengajar program organized by PLN’s Jamali Power Plant and Network Development Main Unit at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia. The program brought electricity system practitioners directly to students to explain the operational dynamics of large-scale power networks.
Senior Manager of System Operations Elvanto Yanuar Ikhsan explained that the integration of renewable energy plants introduces new challenges to power system stability due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.
“The complexity of loads within the Jamali system continues to increase with the integration of variable renewable energy. The system must be prepared to handle both variability and power stability,” Elvanto stated.
According to Elvanto, fluctuations in system frequency and declining grid inertia are among the technical consequences that operators must anticipate. These conditions require stronger operational management to ensure that the energy transition does not disrupt the reliability of the national electricity supply.
Smart Grid Technology and Talent Development
PLN is preparing several technological approaches to maintain grid stability in the renewable energy era, including the development of smart grids, digitalized protection systems, and the implementation of battery energy storage systems (BESS). These technologies enable the grid to respond more rapidly to fluctuations in electricity generation from solar and wind power plants.
Data from the Jamali system shows that the energy mix is still dominated by coal-fired power plants at 60.2 percent, followed by gas at 30.5 percent, renewable energy at 8.4 percent, and other sources at 0.9 percent. The figures indicate that opportunities to expand renewable energy adoption remain significant, although they require adequate technical readiness within the electricity system.
PLN also emphasized the importance of strengthening human resources to support the energy transition. Through the PLN Mengajar program, electrical engineering students were introduced to real operational challenges in power systems to better prepare them for the future transformation of the energy sector.
Manager of System Operations Analysis and Evaluation Suci Rositawati and Assistant Manager of Real-Time Operations Data and Application Management Bilkis Mukhlisoti also delivered technical presentations on real-time operational data management.
PLN believes that collaboration between the electricity industry and universities will play a crucial role in preparing experts capable of managing low-carbon energy systems reliably while maintaining national energy security.
Conclusion
PLN’s efforts to integrate renewable energy into the Jamali power grid highlight the growing technical and operational challenges of Indonesia’s energy transition toward Net Zero 2060. Through the adoption of smart grid technologies, energy storage systems, and collaboration with universities, PLN aims to strengthen grid reliability while preparing future talent to support a more sustainable and low-carbon electricity system.
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