PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA), a member of MIND ID Mining BUMN Holding, is diversifying its business to become an integrated and sustainable world-class energy and chemical company, one of which is by entering the new renewable energy (NRE) business. This action supports the government's goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060 or earlier."NRE will improve in effectiveness along with technology developments. According to PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) President Director, Arsal Ismail, "This is an opportunity that needs to be managed carefully by paying attention to PTBA's existing resources."
On April 17, 2023, PTBA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HDF Energy, a company engaged in the supply of renewable energy, including hydrogen fuel. In an effort to reduce carbon emissions, HDF Energy and PTBA are exploring ways to work together to build large-scale hydrogen fuel infrastructure in PTBA's operations areas. "This infrastructure can provide stable and sustainable green energy, which is needed for PTBA's own operations or for sale to the market," said Arsal.
The synergy with PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk is another tangible manifestation of PTBA's support in efforts to reduce global carbon emissions by developing solar power plant with a capacity of 400 Kilowatt-peak (kWp) on the Jasa Marga Group toll road. The construction of the Bali Mandara Toll Road solar power plant, which was inaugurated on September 21, 2022, is proceeding very well, resulting in positive benefits in terms of energy efficiency and operational costs, as well as, of course, contributing to Indonesia's G20 Presidency in November 2022, one of which focuses on the issue of energy transition.
Previously, PTBA collaborated with PT Angkasa Pura II (Persero) to construct a solar power plant at Soekarno Hatta Airport. The solar power plant is installed in the Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC) Building and consists of 720 photovoltaic solar panel systems with a maximum capacity of 241 kWp. Since October 1, 2020, this solar power plant has been fully operational.
Following the success of developing solar power plants on the Bali Mandara Toll Road and Soekarno Hatta Airport, PT Bukit Asam Tbk and PT Jasa Marga (Persero) Tbk signed an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Development of Solar Power Plants in other toll road areas managed by the Jasa Marga Group on February 24, 2023. The continuation of this MoU is a form of ongoing SOE collaboration and synergy in support of efforts to reduce global carbon emissions.
Furthermore, as a form of synergy with MIND ID Holding Members, PT Bukit Asam Tbk and PT Timah Tbk are exploring the possibility of collaboration in the development of solar power plants at Timah's operational locations. On January 26, 2023, the Renewable Energy Development Synergy MoU was signed to formalize this collaboration. PTBA will construct a solar power plant to support PT Timah's operational activities through its subsidiary, PT Bukit Energi Investama (BEI). Electricity generated by the solar power plant will be used for production activities (dredgers), lighting, and offices, expected to contribute to reduced emissions and more efficient energy costs.
PTBA is also exploring the possibility of collaboration in the development of solar power plants at Semen Indonesia Group (SIG) operational locations. On October 18, 2022, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Development of New, Renewable Energy (NRE) for Solar Power Plants was signed, to begin the construction to meet PT Semen Padang's operational energy needs.
PTBA also has a number of ex-mining lands that could be utilized for solar power plants development. 201 hectares (ha) of post-mining lands are located in Ombilin, West Sumatra, and 224 hectares are located in Tanjung Enim. Each of these lands has a 200 Megawatt (MW) solar power plant potential. Also in East Kalimantan, there is a 30 ha-sized Bantuas post-mining land with a 30 MW potential.
There is no requirement for property acquisition because these lands already belong to the company. The investment costs for solar power plant can be decreased resulting in competitive electricity produced. Productive ex-mining areas will not only be beneficial for the environment, but also have economic value, “ said Arsal.
Not only solar power plants, PTBA and China Huadian Corporation (CHD) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 18, 2022 are exploring the development of a Wind Power Plant with a capacity of around 1,300 MW in South China and other renewable energy developments in Indonesia which is currently in the feasibility study process.
In addition to expanding business in the NRE sector, PTBA also operates a Solar Power Plant development program to turn on agricultural irrigation pumps to improve the welfare of the community around the company's operational area.
The irrigation solar power plant CSR program is PTBA's effort to encourage the use of renewable energy, empower the community, while preserving the environment. Solar power plant as an energy source for irrigation pumps can increase the frequency of harvests to three times a year and the annual productivity of farmers. PTBA has constructed five irrigation solar power plants to date, which include:
- Solar irrigation in Trimulyo Village, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung, operating from 2020 with a capacity of 35 kWp, distributing water for 167 hectares of agricultural land.
- Solar irrigation in Talawi Village, Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra, with a capacity of 16.5 kWp, operating since 2019 distributing water to 62 hectares of rice fields.
- Solar irrigation in Tanjung Raja Village, Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra with a capacity of 16.5 kWp distributing water to 63 hectares of rice fields.
- Solar irrigation in Nanjungan Village, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra, with a capacity of 27.5 kWp, operating in 2022 distributing water to approximately 100 hectares land area.
- Solar irrigation in Rejosari Mataram Village, Central Lampung Regency, South Sumatra, with a capacity of 42.5 kWp to irrigate 150 hectares of rice fields.
