Jakarta Post-Sept 17, 2024
The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is aiming to convert more former coal and mineral mines into solar power projects to boost renewable electricity generation. Lana Saria, the energy ministry’s natural resource economics expert, said that many former coal and mineral mines in Sumatra and Kalimantan could be used to install ground-mounted solar panels. “Some [mines] entering their post-mining operations have [already] gone through this process. […] Other similar projects are under construction and are awaiting PLN’s quota,” Lana said on Friday. She said this includes PT Mega Prima Persada, which has installed solar panels in its former mining areas. Read also: RI renewable energy investment lowest in years amid transition push Lana explained that mines usually leave behind excavation holes or remaining mine holes called voids or pit lakes. These voids, she said, may be filled with water, which could be turned into a water source, a tourist destination or a place to install floating solar panels. The energy ministry has identified 501 hectares of former mineral and coal mines that could fit the purpose, which are estimated to generate a total of 760 megawatts (MW) of electricity, as quoted from Bloomberg Technoz. In 2020, the government planned to build solar power plants in former mining areas with a total capacity of 2.3 gigawatts (GW), according to the energy ministry. The projects are to be located in the West Kutai and Kutai Kartanegara regencies in East Kalimantan as well as in Bangka Belitung. Each location plans to install solar power panels with a capacity of 1 GW, 53 MW and 1.25 GW, respectively. Read more at: https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2024/09/17/ri-eyes-former-mining-land-for-solar-power-plants.html.
