Indonesia Does Not Lack Energy, But Loses Transmission Efficiency
Indonesia is now at a crucial crossroads in the development of its energy sector. Economic growth and population increase demand a larger and higher-quality electricity supply. On the other hand, global pressure to reduce carbon emissions and address the climate crisis forces us to shift to clean and renewable energy.
In this context, PT PLN’s Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) for 2025-2034 sets an ambitious target to add 42,569 MW of new and renewable energy (EBT) capacity, with total generating capacity reaching 69,512 MW.
However, the main challenge hindering the optimisation of clean energy is the still low efficiency of electricity distribution and transmission due to significant energy losses. Superconductor technology presents itself as an innovative solution to strengthen the achievement of the RUPTL while accelerating the clean energy transition in Indonesia.
Superconductor Technology: The Future Solution for Energy Efficiency
Superconductors are materials that conduct electricity without resistance when cooled to very low temperatures. The discovery of high-temperature superconductors in 1986 allows their use at liquid nitrogen temperatures, which is more practical than expensive liquid helium.
Nevertheless, cooling costs remain the main obstacle. Now, advances in modern cryogenic technology such as closed-loop cryocoolers and pulse tube cryocoolers enable superconductors to operate without liquid helium or nitrogen, but using gases like hydrogen, nitrogen, or neon in a closed circuit. This approach is more energy-efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly, opening up opportunities for the industrialisation of superconductors in Indonesia, particularly in the energy sector.
In the context of the RUPTL, superconductors can address transmission and distribution losses that limit the efficiency of the national power system. Superconductor cables can carry large amounts of power without energy loss, improve grid stability, and strengthen the integration of renewable energy.
A real potential example is the Indonesia-Singapore HVDC submarine cable project, which can utilise this technology to improve transmission efficiency, reduce energy losses, and save space and materials.
Synergy of Superconductors with PT PLN’s RUPTL Strategy 2025-2034
The RUPTL includes plans for building transmission infrastructure spanning 47,758 km, substations with a capacity of 107,950 MVA, and distribution networks spanning 197,998 km with distribution substations of 18,407 MVA.
PLN is also developing smart grids, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and green enabling transmission to support the penetration of renewable energy in the Accelerated Renewable Energy Development (ARED) scenario. Superconductors can make a significant contribution to modernising this infrastructure by reducing energy losses and efficiently increasing transmission and distribution capacity.
Projections of average annual electricity demand growth of 5.3% require high system reliability. Superconductor technology can maintain that reliability by reducing energy losses, allowing existing generating capacity to be utilised optimally. This aligns with PLN’s strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuel plants and increase the share of clean energy to 34.3% by 2034.
Potential for the Superconductor Industry and Research Support in Indonesia
Indonesia has great potential in developing the superconductor industry, supported by rare earth minerals such as lanthanum (La) and yttrium (Y) in monazite minerals.
Support for research and development from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), as well as collaboration between government, industry, research institutions, and universities, is key to mastering modern cryogenic technology and high-temperature superconductors. Developing this technology is very important to support the RUPTL targets and the national energy transition agenda.
Policy support is also very necessary, such as fiscal incentives, carbon credits, and feed-in tariffs, to encourage investment and adoption of superconductor technology. Thus, superconductors not only play a role in energy efficiency but also open up opportunities for high-tech industries that support national economic growth.
Benefits of Superconductors in Industry and Renewable Energy
Superconductor technology has proven to significantly reduce energy losses in the industrial sector. In Germany, BASF’s electrolysis plant uses modular 20 kA superconductor busbars that cut energy losses by up to 90%.
The DEMO200 project at TRIMET’s aluminium plant also demonstrates efficiency in saving materials and long-term operational costs. These benefits are relevant to the RUPTL target of increasing EBT generating capacity and electricity distribution efficiency to heavy industry sectors.
In Indonesia, superconductors can strengthen the integration of renewable energy plants such as Solar Power Plants (PLTS) and Wind Power Plants (PLTB) developed by PLN. In addition, this technology can support the dieselisation programme for diesel plants in remote areas. With high distribution efficiency, the use of renewable energy can be optimised, reducing the need for fossil fuel plants still required to maintain system stability.
Realising a Clean Energy Future with Superconductors and RUPTL
Superconductor technology offers a strategic solution that is highly suited to the vision and targets of PT PLN’s RUPTL 2025-2034 in building an efficient, reliable, and sustainable electricity system.
Its ability to significantly reduce energy losses and support renewable energy integration can accelerate the clean energy transition in Indonesia. PLN’s major investments in generation, transmission, distribution, as well as smart grid and energy storage programmes, will be even more optimal with the presence of superconductor technology.
Through research collaboration and policy support,