PT PLN (Persero) is advancing the development of a green electricity system through a strategic partnership with Australian energy modeling company, Energy Exemplar. This collaboration aims to implement an energy modeling system to optimize Indonesia's power grid, accommodating the increasing integration of renewable energy sources.

Adapting to Renewable Energy Integration

As Indonesia's energy mix shifts towards renewable sources like solar and wind, the electricity system becomes more complex due to the intermittent nature of these energy sources. Darmawan Prasodjo, President Director of PT PLN (Persero), emphasized the need for sophisticated energy modeling to manage this complexity effectively. He stated, "In the future, the system will be dominated by renewable energy plants from solar and wind, which are intermittent. Therefore, the electricity system will become more complex."

Implementing Advanced Energy Modeling

To address these challenges, PLN is collaborating with Energy Exemplar to utilize their advanced energy modeling software, PLEXOS. This tool will assist in designing and optimizing the power grid, ensuring stability and efficiency as renewable energy sources are integrated. Darmawan noted, "With this collaboration, we aim to design the development of fast-response power plants and battery energy storage systems to stabilize electricity supply for customers."

Developing a Smart Grid Infrastructure

The partnership also focuses on developing a Smart Grid infrastructure, encompassing smart power plants, transmission systems, dispatch centers, distribution networks, and smart metering at customer locations. This digitalized approach will enhance the management and distribution of electricity, accommodating the dynamic nature of renewable energy sources.

Strategic Planning for Renewable Energy Transmission

Additionally, PLN plans to establish a green transmission network spanning 70,000 kilometers, connecting Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, Sulawesi, and Nusa Tenggara. This extensive network will facilitate the distribution of electricity from remote hydro and geothermal power plants to demand centers across the country. Darmawan emphasized the necessity of spatially-based energy modeling to balance supply and demand nationwide, stating, "Energy modeling is also needed to design green transmission routes to balance supply and demand throughout Indonesia."

Conclusion

The collaboration between PT PLN (Persero) and Energy Exemplar represents a significant step towards modernizing Indonesia's electricity system. By leveraging advanced energy modeling and developing a Smart Grid infrastructure, this partnership aims to ensure a stable, efficient, and sustainable power supply, effectively integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid.