Indonesia should develop hydro energy

Austria-based hydro energy developer Andritz Hydro suggested that the government, businesspeople and energy consumers in Indonesia pay more attention to the future development of hydro energy sources.

Company president director Josef M. Ulmer said Monday that the country had abundant hydro energy potential, around 78,000 megawatts (MW), but as of today utilization still stood at only around 4,500 MW.

“Hydro is the old lady of renewable energy. It’s not as sexy as solar energy, but it is one of the most reliable sources of energy, including in Indonesia,” he told reporters at a press conference on the sidelines of the World Renewable Energy Congress in Nusa Dua, Bali.

With a current electrification ratio of about 70 percent, hydro energy could be one of the best options for providing access to electricity in certain regions of the country, he said, adding that the future of hydro energy was very encouraging.

As reported earlier, the government and state electricity utility PLN were preparing the concept for the third phase of the 10,000 MW fast-track program. During this phase, most new power plants would use water for generating electricity.