Academic proposes phased roadmap for Indonesia's 100 GW solar power target

An academic from Institut Teknologi PLN (ITPLN) has proposed a phased roadmap to realistically achieve Indonesia's ambitious target of 100 gigawatts (GW) in solar power generation capacity.

Zulfikar Manggau suggests that a gradual approach is more feasible, allowing solar power development to keep pace with the readiness of funding, technology, regulations, electricity grids, and supporting industries. He presented this proposal during a Focus Group Discussion on mapping potential and increasing readiness for the 100 GW PLTS (Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya - Solar Power Plant) project, organized by Bappenas and GIZ.

Manggau emphasized that the 100 GW target remains crucial for strengthening energy security and boosting economic growth, but it should not be rushed. "100 GW is necessary and not impossible. But the key is not to rush; start with what is certain, what has a strong foundation," he stated.

The proposed first phase, from 2025 to 2029, would target approximately 25 GW. This phase would prioritize projects that are relatively easy to implement, such as rooftop solar installations in industrial and office areas, floating solar plants on reservoirs, and utilizing critical lands in regions like Nusa Tenggara Timur, Nusa Tenggara Barat, and Sulawesi. During this initial phase, the government is also urged to improve regulations, including those related to Domestic Component Levels (TKDN), which are seen as not yet fully supportive of solar power development. Simultaneously, a supporting industrial ecosystem needs to be built to ensure that solar power development adds value to national industries.

The second phase, planned for 2030-2034, aims for an additional 25 GW capacity. Development would shift towards large-scale solar power plants to meet industrial demand, accompanied by the construction of energy storage systems to ensure stable electricity supply despite the intermittent nature of solar power. Manggau added that the development of inter-regional transmission networks must proceed in parallel with power plant development. The target for each phase should be aligned with PLN's Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) and the latest policies from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

The third phase, starting in 2035, would focus on achieving the remaining 50 GW. The success of this final phase would heavily depend on the decreasing cost of batteries and the increasing flow of green financing for renewable energy projects. Manggau also highlighted significant challenges facing the 100 GW solar power plant development, including the substantial investment required, estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars.