PLN Commits to Advancing Renewable Energy Through Science and Technology Collaboration

PT PLN (Persero) has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging science and technology to boost the share of new and renewable energy (EBT) in Indonesia’s energy mix, supporting national energy self-sufficiency and economic growth. The announcement was made during the 2025 Indonesian Science, Technology, and Industry Convention (KSTI) in Bandung.

Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Diktisaintek) Stella Christie highlighted the role of the industrial sector, including State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), as key drivers of economic progress. She said the ministry is actively bridging research institutions and industry to enhance SOE performance.

“We continually map out SOE needs so that research outcomes can directly support increased revenues and reduced costs,” Stella said. She noted that while Indonesia’s research ecosystem has produced numerous prototypes, the challenge remains in translating these innovations into commercially viable solutions.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo expressed support for the ministry’s push to integrate research into industrial applications, particularly in renewable energy development. “For PLN, science and technology are key to increasing the national renewable energy mix in line with the 2060 Net Zero Emission target,” he said.

Executive Vice President of PLN’s Various New and Renewable Energies, Daniel KF Tampubolon, stressed that technology adoption is central to accelerating the energy transition. He identified smart grid systems as critical in managing the intermittency of variable renewable energy (VRE), enabling flexibility, responsiveness, and operational efficiency.

PLN is also advancing the construction of 47,758 circuit kilometers of “green” transmission lines under its 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) to bridge the gap between renewable power generation sites and demand centers across the archipelago.

“This geographical mismatch is one of Indonesia’s main challenges as an island nation. Through research-driven, adaptive, and sustainable innovations, we can address it effectively,” Daniel said.