Pertamina NRE optimises Sembur Island solar power plant to develop Red and White cooperative programme
Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE) and the Ministry of Cooperatives (Kemenkop) are optimising the solar power plant (PLTS) built on Sembur Island, Batam, as part of the development of the Red-and-White Village/Sub-district Cooperative (KDMP) solar power programme.
Pertamina NRE President Director John Anis said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday that the plant has a capacity of 1 MWp with 1 MWh of battery support and is expected to become part of the community’s economic activity and development.
“For us, energy is not only about generating electricity. What is more important is how that electricity can provide real benefits to the community and support their activities. It is hoped that the continuous availability of electricity can help improve the standard of living of the people of Sembur Island,” John said.
The Sembur Island solar power plant was developed because the area previously still relied on diesel generators that placed a considerable burden on the local economy.
The project is directed at supporting the needs of around 200 households as well as community economic activities through cooperatives, including through the construction of an ice factory with a capacity of 4 tonnes per day and a cold storage warehouse.
“With the availability of facilities such as cold storage and ice makers, fishing communities can better maintain the quality of their catch and develop their fish businesses,” John said.
During the celebration of the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, for the first time the community held a flag ceremony using electricity from the solar power plant.
John said this was a small illustration of the use of energy now available on the island.
From the sound system that played Indonesia Raya to the series of ceremonies carried out by the students, solar energy became part of the independence celebration of the people of Sembur Island.
“What we hope is not only that the electricity comes on, but that the community can carry out more activities and develop their businesses. If the electricity can also be used for activities such as today’s ceremony, that is certainly something we are proud of,” John Anis said.