Indonesia puts private developers at heart of 11.7 GW hydropower expansion. (Photo: iStock)
Indonesia is turning to private developers to drive its next wave of hydropower expansion, as state utility PLN seeks to accelerate renewable-energy investment while concentrating its own resources on grid infrastructure.
Under the country’s 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), Indonesia has earmarked 315 hydropower and mini-hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 11.7 GW. More than 260 are expected to be developed by private companies, putting the bulk of the planned expansion in the hands of independent power producers.
Can private capital accelerate Indonesia’s hydropower push?
Speaking at the Indonesia Hydropower Summit hosted by the Indonesian Renewable Energy Society (METI) on Aug. 8, PLN Director of Renewable Energy Project Management Suroso Isnandar said the utility would focus on building the grid infrastructure needed to carry electricity from often-remote hydropower sites to demand centers.
Unlock the full article to explore three key takeaways:
- Indonesia has earmarked 315 hydropower and mini-hydropower projects; more than 260 will go to private developers.
- Independent power producers (IPPs) will handle 80% of projects: 48 conventional plants (9,441 MW) and 214 mini-hydropower projects (1,110 MW).
- PLN's GIGA ONE Hydro program bundles six hydropower projects; the Sumatra Peaker project has already entered the tender process.
