TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Energy Watch executive director Mamit Setiawan on Monday explained that the current challenge facing Indonesia’s development of solar-powered energy is that it is still intermittent on-grid. Mamit argues that energy storage is still needed to turn solar energy into an off-grid solar power plant (PLTS), which is still considered a pricey option.

“Energy storage is a battery. Currently, the most expensive component of new renewable energy or NRE is the battery. In fact, 50 percent of the total cost is for batteries," he said when contacted on Monday, October 17.

Currently, Mamit said, cheaper battery technology has not been found. Not only in Indonesia, but also in other countries. He suggested that a more affordable and cheaper battery option that can store sufficient energy must be invented soon.

“This battery issue is the problem,” Mamit asserted.

In addition, the drawback of developing solar power is that it requires a large area of land to obtain the energy source. Not to mention the maintenance of solar panels that will bump up the expenses.

"Energy is also optimal, only from 11:00 to 14:00, even with sunny weather," said Mamit.

PT Pertamina Power Indonesia Director of Strategic Planning and Business Development Fadil Rahman explained that the state-energy firm will build PLTS (solar power plant) in more than 400 locations throughout Indonesia. The construction is planned to complete in 1.5 years.

The budget comes from capital expenditures worth US$11 billion to accelerate the new renewable energy (EBT) program. The investment spending is targeted to run for the next five years until 2026.

MOH KHORY ALFARIZI

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