Alternative Energy Sources in Indonesia – To overcome the occurrence of energy scarcity, it is important to find other energy sources (alternatives) that can replace fossil fuels.
This alternative energy source must be renewable, durable, and not pollute the environment. By paying attention to the balance of the ecosystem.
This type of energy is continuously being developed in Indonesia.
Several alternative energy sources in Indonesia that have been applied are the sun (solar energy), wind, running water, geothermal, biofuel, biomass, and ocean waves. Let’s dive in!
Solar Energy
Solar energy is an alternative energy that comes from the light and heat emitted by the sun. Of course, solar energy is very useful in life.
This type of energy can also be converted into electrical energy by using solar panels.
Solar power plants in Indonesia include PLTS Karangasem (Bali), PLTS Raijua, PLTS Nule, PLTS Solor Barat, and PLTS Oelpuah (NTT).
Water
Water energy is one of the alternative energies to replace the most common fossil fuels. This energy source is obtained by utilizing the potential energy and kinetic energy of flowing water.
Currently, about 20% of the world’s electricity consumption is met by hydroelectric power plants (PLTA).
In Indonesia, there are dozens of hydropower plants. Including PLTA Singkarak (West Sumatra), PLTA Gajah Mungkur (Central Java), PLTA Karangkates (East Java), PLTA Riam Kanan (South Kalimantan), and PLTA Larona (South Sulawesi).
Wind
Wind energy is an alternative energy source produced by wind. Windmills are used to capture wind energy and convert it into kinetic energy in the sense of electricity.
The use of wind energy into electricity in Indonesia has been widely applied, such as the Samas Wind Power Plant (PLTB) in Bantul, Yogyakarta.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy is an alternative energy source in the form of thermal energy (heat). It is produced and stored in the earth.
This energy is believed to be quite economical, abundant, still limited, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
However, its use is in exploitation technology which can only reach around tectonic plates.
Geothermal Power Plants (PLTP) owned by Indonesia include the Sibayak PLTP in North Sumatra, the Salak PLTP (West Java), the Dieng PLTP (Central Java), and the Lahendong PLTP (North Sulawesi).
Related: Examples of Thermal Expansion in Everyday Life
Biofuels
Biofuels are alternative energy sources in the form of fuels (both solid, liquid, and gas). It is produced from organic materials.
Sources of biofuels are plants that have a high sugar content, such as sorghum, sugarcane and plants that have a high content of vegetable oils, such as castor, algae, and palm oil.
Biomass
Biomass is a type of alternative energy that refers to biological materials derived from living or recently dead organisms.
Sources of biomass include wood fuel, waste, and alcohol. Biomass power plants in Indonesia, such as the Pulubala PLTBM in Gorontalo, utilize corn cobs.
Ocean Wave
The energy of the motion of ocean waves is an alternative energy sourced from the rising and falling pressure of sea waves.
Indonesia as a maritime country located between two hostages has a high potential to utilize energy sources from ocean waves. Unfortunately, this alternative energy source is still under development in Indonesia.
