PLN Backs Indonesia’s Push for 33 Waste-to-Energy Plants by 2029, Reinforcing the Country’s Renewable Energy Transition

PT PLN (Persero) has reaffirmed its readiness to support Indonesia’s Waste-to-Energy (PLTSa) programme by serving as the official offtaker for power generated from upcoming government-initiated and developer-led projects. The commitment was outlined during the Bloomberg Technoz Ecoverse event held in Jakarta on Thursday, 20 November.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced that construction of new waste-to-energy plants will begin next year as part of a national strategy to address waste challenges while expanding renewable energy capacity.

“Through Danantara, Indonesia has committed to building waste-to-energy plants, with seven projects planned for completion by 2026,” Airlangga said. He added that PLTSa facilities will play a key role in improving the tourism ecosystem by helping cities achieve cleaner, waste-free environments.

Airlangga further noted that the initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives. By 2029, the government aims to build 33 PLTSa plants across multiple provinces, particularly in regions facing significant waste management issues.

Stefanus Ade Hadiwidjaja, Managing Director of Investment at Danantara Indonesia, said waste-to-energy projects present a major opportunity to address environmental challenges while delivering sustainable power. He emphasized the need for multi-stakeholder cooperation — from the central government and regional administrations to businesses and local communities.

Stefanus also confirmed that PLN has been designated as the electricity offtaker, with Danantara coordinating overall project development. “Without systemic, collaborative, and measurable solutions, there will be no sustainability of economic life going forward,” he added.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo underscored the utility’s commitment to ensuring that PLTSa projects proceed smoothly and integrate seamlessly with the national grid.

“PLN fully supports the government’s policy to accelerate the development of waste-to-energy plants. Our responsibility is to ensure network readiness, provide offtake certainty, and create opportunities for collaboration with developers,” Darmawan said.

He added that PLN is strengthening transmission and distribution infrastructure in priority regions to ensure each new PLTSa plant can be quickly connected to the power system. “This integration is crucial for maintaining a stable electricity supply while ensuring optimal utilization of energy from waste,” he said.

During the panel session “From Waste to Watt: Bringing a Greener Indonesia,” Daniel KF Tampubolon, Executive Vice President of Aneka Energi Baru Reharukan PLN, reiterated that waste-to-energy development is now embedded within national energy planning.

“In the 2025–2034 RUPTL, launched with the government in May 2025, waste-to-energy is included as a key component of renewable energy expansion, particularly under the bioenergy category. This positions WTE fully in line with Indonesia’s energy transition roadmap,” Daniel said.

He noted that PLTSa projects require well-structured, low-risk investment models and highlighted challenges such as the need to strengthen the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R) ecosystem to ensure optimal waste composition for energy production.

“Lessons from earlier projects show that gaps in 3R readiness increase risks. As an extension of the state, PLN plays a crucial role in supporting investment de-risking,” Daniel concluded.