Jakarta, Indonesia plans to retire 800 coal-fired power plants by 2060 as part of its commitment to achieving net zero emissions (NZE). These plants will be replaced by gas-fired power plants and biomass energy sources.

Wiluyo Kusdwiharto, Director of Project Management and Renewable Energy at state utility company PLN, announced this strategy during the Plenary Session of the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum (ISF) 2024 in Jakarta on Thursday.

The session, titled “Future of Energy Transition in Emerging Economies,” highlighted Indonesia's roadmap to reaching its NZE goal.

“We have a clear roadmap for achieving zero emissions by 2060, which includes replacing 800 coal-fired power plants with gas-fired plants and implementing biomass programs,” Wiluyo said.

However, Wiluyo noted that achieving this target will require significant investment, estimated at US$ 700 billion to $1 trillion. This funding will support the development of 423 gigawatts (GW) of green electrification or renewable energy-based electricity.

To date, PLN has canceled 13.3 GW of coal-fired power plants originally planned under the 2019-2028 Power Supply Business Plan (RUPTL). Additionally, 1.2 GW of coal-fired capacity has been scrapped through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), and 1.1 GW of coal plants have been replaced with renewable energy sources.

Wiluyo also highlighted PLN’s De-Dieselization Program, which aims to replace diesel power plants (PLTD) with cleaner energy sources. This involves creating hybrid power plants across Indonesia, combining diesel with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic (PV) panels and batteries.

“We have approximately 5,000 diesel power plants across Indonesia, and we are converting them into hybrid systems with renewable energy. Through this program, we have reduced cumulative emissions by around 3.7 million tons of CO2,” Wiluyo added.