PLN Enhances Operator Competency as Power Plant Technology Advances
PT PLN (Persero) is strengthening human resource competence to support the reliability of the national electricity system through training for Ultra Super Critical (USC) coal-fired power plant operators. This step is being taken in line with the evolution of power generation technology, which requires operators with more specific capabilities.
The Workshop on Operating Ultra Super Critical (USC) Type Coal Power Plants was organised by the PLN Education and Training Centre (PLN Pusdiklat) via PLN UPDL Suralaya from 10-12 June 2026 at the Jawa 7 Power Plant in Serang, Banten.
This training is part of PLN’s efforts to increase operator competence to ensure they can operate high-technology plants safely, efficiently, and reliably.
General Manager of PLN Pusdiklat, Y Endah Cahyaningrum, stated that simulator-based learning is one of the approaches used to strengthen power plant operator competence.
“PLN Pusdiklat continues to encourage learning that is not only theory-based but also provides practical experience through simulations that closely mimic actual conditions. By utilising simulators, participants can understand operational processes, train their responses to various scenarios, and strengthen operational discipline and safety culture,” Endah said in a press release on Friday (26/7/2026).
The workshop equips participants with an understanding of once-through boiler characteristics, the USC steam cycle, control philosophy, critical operational parameters, and the control of boiler, turbine, generator, and Balance of Plant systems.
In addition to theoretical material, participants also engaged in practical exercises using the Operator Training Simulator (OTS) to simulate various power plant operating conditions, ranging from start-up, load raising, and normal operation to basic fault handling and the shutdown process in accordance with safety procedures.
Endah noted that simulator-based learning allows participants to gain more comprehensive experience without disrupting power plant operations. This approach also increases operator readiness in facing various operational scenarios in the field.
The implementation of the workshop at the Jawa 7 Power Plant also provided direct learning experience within an Ultra Super Critical technology environment, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of modern power plant operating systems.
Through this training, PLN hopes to produce operators who understand the fundamental principles of USC technology, are capable of applying operational procedures accurately, and uphold a culture of workplace safety.
The strengthening of human resource competence is expected to increase power plant reliability and support national energy security amidst increasing electricity demand.