Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

KAI Develops 113 Solar Power Units Across 92 Locations, Strengthening Clean Energy Transition

| Source: ANTARA_ID Translated from Indonesian | Infrastructure
KAI Develops 113 Solar Power Units Across 92 Locations, Strengthening Clean Energy Transition
Image: ANTARA_ID

Jakarta - Amidst rising national energy demand, sustainability is increasingly intertwined with corporate operations. Energy is now viewed as both an operational necessity and an environmental responsibility. This perspective has encouraged PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) to expand its use of new renewable energy through the development of Solar Power Plants (PLTS) across its operational facilities. The initiative, which commenced in 2022, has grown alongside KAI’s commitment to supporting the national clean energy transition agenda. By June 2026, KAI had developed 113 PLTS units with a total installed capacity of 4,430.65 kWp spread across 92 locations. These installations are located at 62 stations, 10 railway workshops (balai yasa), 6 employee centres (griya karya), 3 depots, 1 office, and 1 record centre, supporting the company’s operational activities across Indonesia. The utilisation of solar energy is part of a broader transformation taking place across various sectors, including transport. As a company managing public mobility on a large scale, KAI views more efficient and low-emission energy use as a crucial step to support company growth whilst strengthening its contribution to national environmental targets. KAI Vice President Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the PLTS development is being carried out in phases, factoring in operational needs and the potential for solar energy utilisation across company assets. “The development of PLTS is part of KAI’s effort to increase clean energy use in company operations. We continue to develop this programme in stages, in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency,” Anne said. Based on various technical studies of PLTS utilisation in Indonesia, every 1 kWp of the system generates an average of around 1,300 to 1,500 kWh of electricity per year, depending on sunlight intensity and installation site conditions. With an installed capacity of 4,430.65 kWp, the PLTS systems developed by KAI could produce roughly 5.8 million to 6.6 million kWh of clean electricity per year. This energy production delivers quantifiable environmental benefits. Emission reduction calculations refer to the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Number 163.K/HK.02/MEM.S/2021 concerning the Determination of Greenhouse Gas Emission Factors for the Electricity System, the national reference for calculating emissions in the electricity sector. Under the regulation, the emission factor for the Java-Madura-Bali interconnection system ranges from 0.84–0.87 tonnes of CO₂ per MWh. With the installed capacity and potential annual electricity output, KAI’s PLTS systems could reduce carbon emissions by approximately 5,100 to 5,800 tonnes of CO₂ per year. This figure is derived by multiplying the estimated annual electricity output by the Jamali electricity system emission factor set by the ministry. This demonstrates that solar energy utilisation directly contributes to greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts. Each unit of electricity generated by the PLTS replaces a portion of demand previously met by fossil-fuel power plants, thereby supporting the low-carbon development that forms part of the national agenda. Beyond generating clean energy, the PLTS expansion also strengthens the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance principles at KAI. The use of solar energy supports energy efficiency, increases energy resilience at operational facilities, and expands the use of renewable energy sources within the company ecosystem. Solar panels installed at various stations, workshops, depots, and other facilities are now part of the company’s daily activities. Their presence demonstrates how technological innovation can align with the needs of public service and long-term environmental management. “The transformation towards sustainable transport requires consistent steps. KAI will continue to develop various initiatives supporting energy efficiency, emission reductions, and the creation of sustainable value for society and the environment,” Anne concluded.

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