- PT PLN has signed an agreement with Sumenep Regency to develop two solar power plants with battery storage for remote communities in Indonesia.
- The project will provide 24-hour electricity to about 2,000 households while reducing diesel use and supporting Indonesia’s clean energy transition.
PT PLN (Persero) has signed a Joint Operation Agreement with the Sumenep Regency Government to develop two solar power plants in Indonesia. Each plant will have a capacity of 1 megawatt-peak and include battery storage systems.
The agreement was facilitated by Danantara Indonesia and formalised in Jakarta. It covers installations equipped with 4 MWh Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Funding for the project comes from a grant provided by the Torang IWIP Berbakti Foundation. As a result, the initiative will support clean energy deployment in remote areas. The project will deliver 24-hour electricity to about 2,000 households. Beneficiaries include residents of Gili Labak Hamlet and Pagerungan Kecil Village in Sumenep Regency.
In addition, the systems are expected to save about 1.1 million litres of diesel annually. This will support Indonesia’s efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Speaking at the event, Rosan Perkasa Roeslani said the project aligns with national energy goals. Specifically, it supports the replacement of diesel power plants with renewable energy. He added that Indonesia plans to scale solar capacity to 100 gigawatts. This target aims to strengthen energy self-sufficiency.
Furthermore, the project will serve as a pilot for similar initiatives. It will focus on underserved regions, including underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost areas. Sumenep Regency faces major electrification challenges due to its geography. The region consists of 126 islands, with only 48 inhabited.
Previously, residents in Gili Labak relied on private generators. Pagerungan Kecil depended on limited solar capacity after diesel plants stopped operating. The new solar-plus-storage systems will improve reliability. They will also reduce dependence on costly and polluting diesel generation.
Darmawan Prasodjo said the project reflects strong collaboration across sectors. He added that PLN will fast-track implementation to ensure timely delivery.
Meanwhile, Achmad Fauzi Wongsojudo welcomed the initiative. He noted that it will improve electricity access and living standards in the region.
The project supports Indonesia’s broader energy transition strategy. It aims to expand renewable energy use, reduce diesel dependence, and improve access through public-private collaboration.