PLN prepared to supply electricity to support national data centre industry
The growth of the data centre industry in Indonesia, particularly those based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), requires electrical support that is not only large in capacity but also reliable and stable. PT PLN (Persero) has stated its readiness to supply electricity to support the data centre industry, notably through a strategic partnership with PT Starone Mitra Telekomunikasi (BDx Data Centres).
“The growth of the data centre industry in Indonesia, especially those based on AI, requires electrical support that is not only large in capacity but also reliable and stable,” said PLN’s Director of Retail and Commerce, Adi Priyanto, in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The strategic cooperation between PLN and BDx Data Centres includes the development of electrical infrastructure with a total capacity of 1.2 gigawatts (GW) for AI-based data centre zones and digital services in Indonesia. In the initial phase, PLN will supply 788 MVA of electricity to the CGK4 site in Jatiluhur, West Java, followed by an increase in electrical capacity of 60 MVA for the CGK3A site in South Jakarta, and the development of a high-voltage network of 385 MVA for the CGK5 site in Suryacipta, West Java.
“We understand that energy certainty is the heart of this digital infrastructure. Therefore, PLN is ready to ensure that BDx Indonesia can expand optimally,” said Adi.
The power supply for the CGK4 site is planned to be carried out gradually in three phases: Phase I at 2 x 150 MVA, Phase II increasing to 2 x 265 MVA, eventually reaching a final capacity in Phase III of 2 x 380 MVA. To support supply reliability, PLN is also constructing the new 150 kilovolt (kV) Jatiluhur Substation, which will supply electricity to the BDx data centre area. “PLN has also prepared two special line bays at the substation to optimally serve the electrical needs of the CGK4 site,” added Adi.
Furthermore, Adi explained that the synergy between PLN and BDx Indonesia is a significant long-term partnership for national economic growth. Beyond the CGK4 site, PLN has also been entrusted to secure power supplies for other major BDx Indonesia facilities, namely the CGK3A site in Cilandak, South Jakarta, and the CGK5 site in the Suryacipta industrial area.
“This synergy is not merely the sale of electricity, but a strategic collaboration to drive national economic growth through investment in the high-tech sector. PLN continues to transform into a reliable partner for all digital investors in the country,” said Adi.
CEO of BDx Indonesia, Agus Hartono Wijaya, expressed his appreciation to PLN for providing optimal service in supporting the operations of data centre infrastructure, which is closely linked to high-performance computing. “We express our highest appreciation to PLN, which has been a strategic partner in supporting the operational reliability of BDx Indonesia’s data centre facilities,” said Agus. According to him, the reliability of the electrical system and the readiness of PLN’s infrastructure provide certainty for BDx in carrying out sustainable data centre capacity development in Indonesia.