Energy Ministry Studies Solar Power Development Along Trans-Java Toll Road

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is studying the development of solar power plants (PLTS) along the Trans-Java Toll Road to support the success of the 100 GW solar programme.

“For future development, we have requested a study on how much solar capacity could potentially be installed along the Java toll road,” said Tri Winarno, Acting Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of ESDM, when met at the Ministry of ESDM office in Jakarta on Thursday.

Tri referred to the successful installation of solar panels along the Bali Mandara Toll Road. He said the study on solar development along the Trans-Java Toll Road will commence this year.

A key concern for the government regarding solar development along toll roads is the factor of strong winds. This condition, according to him, will affect the placement and positioning of the solar panels to be installed.

These aspects, Tri said, will form part of the study on solar development along toll road edges.

Meanwhile, to execute the project, Tri said the government will need at least until next year.

“This year is already August. So it will be executed next year,” said Tri.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said the inauguration of the first phase of the 100 GW solar power programme will be carried out in Bali by President Prabowo Subianto.

On that occasion, Bahlil also confirmed that the 100 GW solar programme has been included in the revision of PLN’s Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) 2025–2034.

The development of 100 GW of solar power is said to have the potential to reduce energy imports with a substitution value reaching 14.4 billion to 28.9 billion US dollars, as well as contribute up to 26.6 billion US dollars to gross domestic product (GDP).