PLN to Build 1,000 MW Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant in Pacitan, Supporting NZE

Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) - PT PLN (Persero) is strengthening its commitment to accelerating the clean energy transition through the planned construction of the Grindulu Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant in Pacitan Regency, East Java, with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts (MW).

“This project is projected to be the second-largest pumped storage hydropower plant in Indonesia,” said General Manager of PLN UIP JBTB, Moh Fathol Arifin, in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday.

Fathol said that the Grindulu Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant project is a concrete step by PLN in supporting the government’s target of achieving net zero emissions (NZE).

According to him, this infrastructure is not just a power plant, but a solution for future energy storage.

He explained that the Grindulu Pumped Storage Hydropower Plant will be a new backbone for the electricity system in the eastern Java and Bali regions.

With a capacity of 1,000 MW, this project will play a vital role in maintaining the stability of the electricity supply from intermittent renewable energy sources.

Manager of PLN UPP JBTB 1 Yogyakarta, Wahyu Kurniawan, said that this project is a crucial part of the 2025-2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL).

Currently, he said, PLN is preparing a feasibility study for the construction in Ketro Village, Tulakan District, and Pucangombo Village, Tegalombo District.

“PLN hopes that this project will have a multiplier effect on the local economy of Pacitan,” he said.

Unlike conventional hydropower plants, pumped storage technology functions as a large-scale energy storage system or giant battery.

This system has two reservoirs (upper and lower) which are connected by a water tunnel and pump turbine unit, making it very effective in maintaining system reliability during peak loads.

The Regent of Pacitan, Indrata Nur Bayuaji, also fully supports the plan because it will position Pacitan as a center for energy innovation in Indonesia.

“This is both a challenge and a great opportunity. I believe there are long-term benefits for the region because this is new technology. I hope this project runs smoothly and Pacitan can become a pilot for the development of clean energy at the national level,” said Indrata.