Bappenas backs Batam wind energy-to-electricity project

Batam - The Ministry of National Development Planning (PPN)/National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) supports the development of Indonesia’s first wind energy-to-electricity conversion project in Batam, Riau Islands.

Minister of PPN/Bappenas Rachmat Pambudy expressed pride in inaugurating the wind energy conversion project to electricity.

“We all hope this project will yield significant economic and investment benefits, not only for Batam but nationally,” he said in a statement received in Batam on Thursday.

Minister Rachmat attended the inauguration of McDermott Indonesia’s Cakrawala and Nusantara buildings alongside Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad.

Governor Ansar Ahmad stated the project strengthens Batam’s position as a key fabrication and energy hub in Indonesia, while also positioning it as a sustainable energy supply chain capable of global competition.

“Since its operations began in the 1970s, McDermott has transformed from an initial 8-hectare site into a 110-hectare offshore fabrication giant,” he said.

Over 50 years, the company has been a pioneer in Southeast Asia’s maritime manufacturing industry.

“We are proud to witness this new milestone with the inauguration of the Cakrawala Building (climate-controlled block assembly facility) and Nusantara Building (blasting and painting facility), valued at $240 million or Rp4 trillion,” Ansar added.

“This will ultimately place the Riau Islands Province first in the Sumatra region and fifth nationally, while contributing to Kepri’s investment achievements of Rp64.67 trillion by 2025,” he said.

The ceremony included a ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling by Minister Rachmat Pambudy, Governor Ansar Ahmad, McDermott management, and officials.