PLN Engineering oversees Indonesia's first 1,040 MW pumped storage project
JAKARTA - PLN Engineering continues to oversee the development of the 1,040 MW Upper Cisokan hydroelectric power plant project in West Bandung Regency, West Java, which is projected to be Indonesia’s first pumped storage facility and a key pillar of the green energy-based electricity system.
“The Upper Cisokan project is being prepared to help maintain electricity supply stability amid the growth of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind,” said PLN Engineering President Director Chairani Rachmatullah in a statement on Tuesday.
According to him, pumped storage technology works like a giant battery that stores energy using water; when there is excess electricity, water is pumped to an upper reservoir. Then, when electricity demand rises, the water is released to generate power.
Looking ahead, he added, pumped storage technology will become an important part of maintaining stable electricity supply, especially as renewable energy usage continues to grow.
Chairani explained that the technology allows electricity to be stored during low demand and reused when consumption rises. The system is considered vital for supporting more flexible and reliable electricity supply in the future.
The Upper Cisokan hydroelectric plant is projected to be a strategic infrastructure supporting the Java-Bali power system. Its presence is also expected to enhance the national electricity grid’s readiness to cope with changing energy consumption patterns.
He added that the project has high engineering complexity due to integrating a dam, high-pressure water tunnels, and underground power generation facilities into a single integrated system.
In the project, PLN Engineering is responsible for engineering supervision, quality assurance, technical assistance, project management, and construction oversight to ensure construction meets safety, quality, and reliability standards.
“Upper Cisokan is not just a power plant project but part of the foundation of Indonesia’s future energy system,” he said.
As an electrical engineering company, he stressed that PLN Engineering continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting national green energy development through various renewable energy and low-emission technology projects.
“PLN Engineering is ready to support the transformation of the power sector towards cleaner, more reliable, and sustainable energy. We believe strengthening national engineering capabilities is a key factor in supporting the energy transition in Indonesia,” Chairani said.