Onshore Wind Energy Development in Indonesia: handover ceremony for assessment report

The global shift towards renewable energy sources is gaining momentum, with Indonesia joining the ranks of nations seeking to reduce dependence on finite and environmentally damaging fossil fuels. Among the most promising renewables is wind energy. Indonesia, an archipelago with vast wind potential, has a strategic opportunity to harness this resource for energy sustainability and mitigate climate change impacts. Indonesia boasts significant wind energy potential, particularly in regions like Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, and southern Java. To fully harness this resource, supportive policies, clear regulations, and a streamlined permitting process are crucial.

“Wind energy is one of the keys to the energy transition in Indonesia, so its development and utilization need to be supported by a conducive permitting and regulatory framework to attract investors and developers”.
– Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Prof. Dr. Eng. Eniya Listiani Dewi

Estimates suggest a significant potential for renewable energy, including wind, to meet Indonesia’s electricity needs. The National Agency for Research and Development in Energy and Mineral Technology (BBSP KEBTKE) estimates a total wind energy potential of 155 GW, comprised of 60.6 GW onshore and 94.2 GW offshore. However, despite this abundance, only 154.3 MW of onshore wind farm capacity is currently installed, representing less than 0.1% of the total potential. This stark reality begs the question: what are the barriers hindering the widespread adoption of wind energy in Indonesia?

As part of the Wind Energy Development in Indonesia: Investment Plan Project, led by the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) A report titled Permitting and Regulation Assessment for Onshore Wind prepared by Pondera and BITA Bina Semesta together with the Wind Power Technical Working Group (TWG) was officially handed over to the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (DJEBTKE) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources at the TWG Event IV.

Following the handover ceremony, the consultant presented a comprehensive pre-feasibility study for wind power plants at eight strategic locations across Java and Sumatra. These locations included North Padang Lawas – South Tapanuli, Sukabumi, and Probolinggo – Lumajang. The study assessed wind resource availability, electricity demand, and potential socio-environmental impacts for each site. The objective of the study and its findings is to increase the attractiveness of wind power investment in these regions.

A forthcoming wind energy prospectus report will detail the results for the remaining five locations, further bolstering investor interest in Indonesia’s burgeoning wind energy sector.