PLN to Retire 2,139 Diesel Power Plants to Save on Fuel
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - PT PLN (Persero) plans to retire 2,139 diesel power plants (PLTD) spread across 741 locations throughout Indonesia.
PLN’s President Director Darmawan Prasodjo stated that this step aims to reduce the use of fuel oil (BBM) in the electricity sector, thereby curbing oil imports, which are becoming increasingly expensive.
“PLN has planned to reduce BBM consumption in the electricity sector at 741 diesel power plant locations, with a total of around 2,139 diesel engines,” he said during a Hearing with Commission VII of the DPR on Monday (13/4/2026).
In their place, PLN will develop alternative energy sources at each location, such as pico-hydro and micro-hydro potential.
If those sources are not available, PLN will design and build solar power plants equipped with energy storage systems (battery energy storage system/BESS).
“The main point is that we will do this gradually as quickly as possible with all the capabilities we have, including partnerships with potential partners,” he said.
Through this strategy, PLN targets reducing the use of imported and high-cost energy like BBM in the short to medium term, while also enhancing national energy resilience.
“It’s not only that energy security can be improved, but also the cost of energy can be lower, and how we shift from fossil energy to new and renewable energy,” he stated.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto had instructed PLN to close PLTDs.
He mentioned that there are 13 PLTDs that need to be retired immediately by the state-owned electricity company.
“No more power plants using diesel or solar should be allowed. We will close 13 diesel power plants,” he said at the inauguration of an electric commercial vehicle assembly factory at VKTR Sakti in Magelang Regency, Central Java, on Thursday (9/4/2026).
According to him, closing the 13 PLTDs could save up to 200,000 barrels of imported BBM per day.
In the future, the government will also simultaneously build solar power plants (PLTS) with a capacity of 100 gigawatts within two years.
He claimed that PLTS with 100 GW capacity can meet the country’s electricity needs.
“Perhaps in two or three years, we won’t need to import BBM at all. We have great strength,” said Prabowo.