BP Batam ensures energy reliability to support 1.47 GW data centre demand
Batam (ANTARA) - The Batam Free Trade Zone Authority (BP Batam), Riau Islands, has ensured the readiness and reliability of energy to support the electricity requirements of the data centre industry, which is mapped to reach 1.47 gigawatts (GW) of IT capacity.
Fary Djemy Francis, Deputy for Investment at BP Batam, stated that certainty regarding electricity tariffs, energy reliability, and infrastructure readiness are key to supporting Batam’s transformation into a regional data centre hub.
“Every megawatt of new investment must arrive alongside its solution. We must not allow investment to arrive faster than electricity readiness. Infrastructure must precede growth, not lag behind it,” Fary said in an official statement received in Batam on Friday.
These remarks were made during a socialisation event regarding the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree (Kepmen ESDM) Number 354.K/TL.04/MEM.L/2026 concerning the electricity tariffs of PT PLN Batam.
According to him, energy policy must simultaneously deliver three benefits: reliable and affordable electricity for the community, operational certainty for investors, and sustainable economic growth for Batam.
Based on BP Batam’s mapping, existing capacity, commitments, and the data centre pipeline have been identified to reach 1.47 gigawatts (GW) of IT.
The year 2029 is projected to be a critical point when the electricity demand from data centres begins to exceed half of Batam’s peak load.
Meanwhile, PLN Batam projects that the peak electricity load will increase almost threefold, from 841 MW in 2026 to 2,540 MW by 2035, with plans to increase supply capacity to 3,691 MW.
To face this growth, BP Batam is promoting a ‘Utility First, Investment Follows’ paradigm through five priorities. These include competitive electricity tariffs, guaranteed energy supply, accelerated infrastructure development, water security, and the integration of investment with utility readiness.
“Batam cannot simply offer land and incentives. Our new advantage is certainty, speed, and trust. Energy must be ready so that investment can grow and Batam can become a regional digital economic hub,” he emphasised.