TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ngakan Timur Antara, chairman of the Consortium for National Photovoltaic Industry Self-sufficiency (KKIFN) at Photovoltaic Industry National Consortium yesterday said that solar energy could be the solution to overcome electricity problems, particularly in Indonesia’s remote areas.
“Remotes areas have not yet connected to the PLN [state-owned electricity company] power network, therefore, solar panel could become a good solution as the technology continues to be developed, which hopefully will make it more affordable,” Ngakan said, as quoted by Antara news agency.
Ngakan said that the National Industry Development Masterplan (RIPIN) stipulates that power generation industry, including solar panel industry, is one of the top priority sector which will continue to be developed until 2035.
RIPIN further stipulates that construction of plants that turn materials into solar power plant components and facilities to transfer technology in solar cell industry are carried out jointly by the Government, State-Owned Enterprises and private sector.
Ngakan said that reduced use of fossil fuel will cut greenhouse gas emission, which in turn will positively impact in the efforts to save the earth from global warming and tackle the challenges faced by human due to food scarcity.
“The Government’s commitment in reducing the use of fossil energy is outlined in the Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN), whereby the Government sets up the policy and strategy to step up the role of new renewable energy in energy mix,” he noted.
Head of Energy Convesion Technology Center, Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT), Andhika Prastawa said the efforts to push for energy self-sufficiencey will boost strategic economic sectors, including domestic industries.
He therefore supports the application of photovoltaic technology as an alternative for power plants in regions across Indonesia.
“The hybrid of Diesel Power Plant (PLTD) and renewable energy will give a positive impact on regions and open up the market for photovoltaic industry in Indonesia,” he said.
ANTARA