Journal of Technology and Policy in Energy and Electric Power
The Journal of Technology and Policy in Energy and Electric Power is the first journal established by PT PLN (Persero) - Research and Development Center for Electricity as a platform for publishing scientific works by internal and external researchers and academics of PT PLN (Persero). To facilitate the processes of submission, manuscript editing, peer review, publication, and journal certification, a dedicated platform is essential. One widely used journal management platform is the Open Journal System (OJS). OJS is an open-source, web-based application designed for managing journals online and has been utilized by numerous national and international journals to enhance user convenience. Papers should be written in Indonesian or English with topics including power generation, transmission, distribution, primary energy, new energy, renewable energy, management, and business. All papers published in the "Journal of Technology and Policy in Energy and Electric Power" are selected through a double-blind review process by the editorial board. Authors are given the opportunity to revise or improve their papers according to the review results. The Journal of Technology and Policy in Energy and Electric Power is published twice times a year in June & December. Our publication will contribute towards new exploration of knowledge and state-of-the-art technology for scholars and industrial professionals in these fields. The journal registered in the CrossRef with Digital Object Identifier (DOI) prefix: 10.33322
PT. PLN (Persero) Pusat Penelitan dan Pengembangan Ketenagallistrikan (Research Institute)
Advancing Indonesia’s Net Zero Goals Through Sustainable Biomass Supplier Selection: Insights from Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis
Indonesia has experienced a significant increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the past two decades, primarily driven by rising fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation. In response, the state-owned electricity company PT PLN (Persero) has committed to achieving Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060, with biomass co-firing in coal-fired steam power plants (PLTUs) serving as a key transitional strategy. A 2018 study revealed that Indonesia's biomass potential stands at 857 GJ per year, while a 2021 study from the PJB Technology Unit estimated that Java alone possesses a biomass potential of 9.2 GW, mainly derived from agricultural products. Despite this potential, a significant challenge lies in selecting reliable and sustainable biomass suppliers, particularly for sawdust, a readily available agricultural byproduct. Although various decision-making models have been proposed for supplier evaluation in renewable energy contexts, there remains a lack of structured, stakeholder-informed approaches tailored to Indonesia’s biomass co-firing initiatives. This study aims to identify and rank the criteria used in choosing sawdust biomass suppliers through the Analytical Hierarchy Process method. Data was gathered through literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, and surveys to assess the criteria. The study identified nine criteria with the following weights: Quality (0.250); Sustainability (0.219); Location (0.159); Price (0.136); Warranty Period (0.063); Delivery Time (0.051); Social (0.044); Flexibility (0.0384); and Service (0.0382). By systematically evaluating supplier selection factors using AHP, this study offers a decision-making framework to guide PT PLN and other stakeholders in designing more robust and sustainable biomass procurement strategies. The findings contribute to the growing knowledge on renewable energy supply chain optimization and support Indonesia’s long-term decarbonization goals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Technology and Policy in Energy and Electric Power https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A Comparative Analysis of Carbon Pricing Schemes on The Cost of Reducing Carbon Emissions In The Java, Madura, and Bali Regional Power Generation Sector
This study conducts a comparative analysis of carbon pricing schemes on reducing carbon emissions in the electricity sector in Java, Madura and Bali (Jamali). The method used is a quantitative simulation of the cost of reducing carbon emissions in the Jamali generation system for three carbon price scenarios: Emission Trading System (ETS), Cap and Tax (CT), and abatement cost (AC). The results show that with a carbon pricing scheme for emission reduction as much as the cost of carbon pricing requires, regardless of the technology, every increase in carbon tax by 1 USD/ton CO2 results in an increase in electricity prices. In contrast, the cost of emission reduction analysis shows that in the initial phase of tariff implementation, the carbon mitigation cost for the carbon tax scheme is around USD 45 million and USD 137 million for the emissions trading scheme (ETS), to reduce emissions by approximately 22 million tons of CO₂. However, this value increases significantly by the end of the policy period, with estimates reaching USD 6 billion per ton of CO₂ for the carbon tax scheme and USD 4 billion per ton of CO₂ in the ETS framework, to achieve the emission reduction target of 48 million tons of CO₂. Meanwhile, the NZE and NZE-CAP scenarios reduce emissions intensity to 0.844 tons of CO₂ per MWh and 0.781 tons of CO₂ per MWh, respectively, with abatement costs of USD 67/ton CO₂ and USD 70/ton CO₂.
Technical Analysis of the Impact of High Solar PV Penetration on the Stability of Bali's Power System
The increasing penetration of solar power plants as an alternative clean energy source is an important element in the energy transition process towards Net Zero Emission (NZE). Bali, as a province with high electrical load growth and commitment to green energy development, thus this study aims to assess the impact of high solar PV penetration on the grid system stability of the electrical system operating at 150 kV voltage. The impact analysis was conducted using Digsilent software with high solar PV penetration baseline scenario in 2025 compared to the NZE scenario in 2060. The research includes power flow analysis, short circuit and transient analysis to evaluate the system response to generation fluctuations and systemic disturbances. The results show that a 12% penetration of solar PV leads to an increase in bus voltage, but the value is still within the tolerance limits stipulated in the national grid code. However, in the NZE scenario, a 30.4% increase in solar PV penetration reduces system inertia, which in turn amplifies frequency oscillations and makes the power system more susceptible to major disturbances such as the Jamali submarine cable failure potentially leading to greater instability during such events. This study recommends mitigation strategies by increasing the capacity of the energy storage system and strengthening the interconnection system by improving of the Java-Bali submarine cable line to ensure stability and reliability of the grid system in the future.
Photovoltaic Voltage Ramp down Optimization on Hybrid Generation System
Hybrid generation system which consist of photovoltaic and diesel engine generator can be hard to control because of the nature of photovoltaic which very depends on the weather condition and the intensity of sun radiation. The power which the photovoltaic source generates can be goes up and down rapidly and drastically depends on the weather. As a hybrid generation, the diesel engine generator should be able to compensate it before the entire system failed and blacked out. In this paper we tried to find the best combination for certain photovoltaic source, diesel engine generator control system and certain type of load. For simulation purpose we will use ETAP software and Homer software. This software was chosen because they are already widely used and proven in electrical industries.
hybrid generation, photovoltaic, diesel engine
The Effect of Biomass & Coal Co-firing on The Flue Gas Temperature Profile in a 350 MW Class Pulverized Coal-Fired Power Plant
Direct biomass co-firing within pulverized coal-fired power plants involves the integration of biomass into the existing coal consumption process, enabling utilization by the power plant’s established equipment. Typically, biomass co-firing accounts for up to 5% of the total coal consumption. This paper examines the impact of co-firing fractions on the flue gas temperature, specifically focusing on the regenerative air preheater hot side outlet temperature. Among the various operational parameters requiring compliance with acceptable limits, maintaining the flue gas temperature above the sulfur dew point is critical to prevent sulfur dioxide condensation. Such condensation risks corrosion of the flue gas duct and other downstream components. Empirical studies reveal a linear reduction in flue gas temperature as power plant load decreases, with the temperature eventually reaching the sulfur dew point threshold. This study further explores the influence of biomass co-firing fractions on the part-load temperature profile of flue gas, demonstrating an additional decline in temperature with the inclusion of biomass in the combustion process. Findings indicate that through modest adjustments in operational management and logic control systems, sustainable operation of the flue gas pathway can be maintained. These modifications ensure operational flexibility remains close to the original design specifications. Additionally, an economic assessment of the fuel mixture comprising coal, biomass, and fuel oil across the operational range of the power plant is essential. Optimization of the fuel mix is required to identify the optimal operating range for coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) while simultaneously minimizing fuel costs.
Auxiliary kWh Efficiency of Substations Using Renewable Energy Potency in East Kalimantan Province
PT PLN (Persero) as the Indonesian state electricity supply company must carry out an energy transition in terms of generation, transmission and distribution. Substations in Indone- sia’s electric power transmission sector have not yet incorporated the idea of green energy into their operations, despite the fact that there is a great deal of potential for green energy in substations, such as the usage of solar and wind energy. The primary power source for the auxiliary substation is energy form the grid, with diesel power serving as a backup. However, the energy mix in the Kalimantan grid is still dominated by energy from coal (based on the Laporan Evaluasi Operasi Tahunan PLN UIP3B 2023). This research investigates the technical and economic viability of utilizing renewable energy in auxiliary substations to mitigate the company’s escalating financial burden. Technically, the study aims to determine the optimal PV panel capacity required for auxiliary power needs. Economically, it evaluates the total investment and operational costs, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return on Investment (ROI), payback periods, and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Unique to this study is the direct measurement of kWh consumption data from 23 substations in East and North Kalimantan, a method not previously employed. The findings provide recommendations on the appropriate PV capacity for installation in substations and present economic analysis.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Technology and Policy in Energy and Electric Power https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integration of Renewable Energy and Battery Storage Systems for Electrification of Gili Raja Island with a Techno-Economic Approach
Gili Raja Island is part of the small island clusters in Sumenep Regency. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), 409 out of 2,133 households on this island still lack access to electricity. This study aims to determine the capacity requirements for power plant, to achieve Net Zero Emission (NZE). Using the HOMER Pro software, this study estimates the required generation capacity to meet the demand of Gili Raja Island, amounting to 1,917 MWh per year. The study results indicate that the lowest Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is achieved with a scenario combining wind turbines, diesel generator, and solar PV with NMC batteries, yielding a value of 0.189 $/kWh. To achieve NZE, based on HOMER optimization, the lowest LCOE for a fully clean energy portfolio is achieved with a combination of solar PV and lithium-ion batteries, with an LCOE of 0.246 $/kWh. This cost is 28% higher than the cheapest portfolio that includes diesel generator, but it can prevent 106,095 kgCO2 emissions annually from power plant operations. Choosing the right funding option is a crucial part of this study, with results showing that internal funding from PT PLN (Persero) offers the best scheme.
The Effect of Inlet Water Intake Temperature on the Thermal Efficiency of Timor 1 Coal-Fired Power Plant (2x50 MW)
In a thermal power plant, evaluating the performance of plant can be seen from the thermal efficiency value. Thermal efficiency is the percentage of heat energy entering the system that is actually converted into electrical energy. One way to increase the thermal efficiency of the plant is to reduce the temperature of the cooling water at the water intake inlet. From the research results, a graph shows the relationship between the increase in inlet water intake temperature from 30℃ - 33℃ to the condenser heat transfer rate, condenser pressure, and thermal efficiency of power plant. From the results of the calculations carried out, it was found that an increase in the inlet water intake temperature of PLTU Timor 1 (2x50 MW) from 30℃-33C, caused a decrease in the heat transfer rate in the condenser from 81,875 kJ/s – 81,873kJ/s, causing an increase in condenser pressure from 0, 0744 bar – 0.0872 bar and causes a decrease in thermal efficiency from 43.62% – 43.23%. So it can be said that the higher inlet water intake temperature, the lower the thermal efficiency of power plant. Lowering thermal efficiency from 43.62% – 43.23% will cause an increase in Levelized Generating Cost Value (LGCV) from IDR 1,284/kWh – 1,302/kWh. If LGCV multiplied by the annual kWh production, every 1℃ increase in water intake inlet temperature will increase production costs by 5 billion rupiah per year.
thermal efficiency, water intake, cooling temperature, condenser pressure
Implementation of Modified MPPT P&O in Off-Grid Rooftop Solar Power Systems (A Case Study: PT. Hydratech Smart Indonesia Building)
PT Hydrateh Smart Indonesia is a company that has implemented rooftop solar PV technology to meet the needs of electric power in the commercial office sector on a small scale. The use of rooftop solar PV is carried out to reduce the load from PLN and to find out how much profit in terms of power efficiency has been generated in the use of rooftop solar PV. As with other renewable energy technologies, the challenge faced by rooftop solar power plants is the fluctuation of the sun, in this case its irradiation, which has an important role in the process of extracting optimal output power. Rapid changes in irradiation affect the utilization of solar energy into electrical energy. This research designs an optimal rooftop solar power plant from the PT Hydratech Smart Indonesia building as a representative of the use of rooftop solar power plants with a capacity of 3600 W equipped with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to increase the output power value. Of the several MPPT algorithms that have been used, the perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm is the most popular due to its easy implementation and economical price. However, the drawback of this algorithm is the efficiency of its performance which is still fairly low so it is necessary to modify the step size value. The results showed that using the conventional P&O algorithm, MPPT was able to achieve an efficiency of 81.19% and the modified P&O algorithm of 89.06%.
PV rooftop, Maximum Power Point Tracking, Perturb and Observe, Step Size
Contingency Analysis of the Kendari Electrical System: A Case Study of IBT II 250 MVA
The transmission system for electrical power must operate reliably and continuously; however, disruptions often affect the reliability and stability of the system. Equipment failures during operation can have adverse effects on the power distribution system. The Kendari Subsystem, connected through IBT at the Wotu Main Substation, plays a crucial role as the backbone in the Sulselrabar electrical system with high risks due to the operation of only one IBT unit, namely IBT II with a capacity of 250 MVA, while IBT I has a different capacity. This subsystem significantly influences the distribution of electrical energy from various generators, especially the Poso Hydroelectric Power Plant. This research employs power flow simulation to analyze contingencies in the Kendari Subsystem of the 150 kV electrical system, focusing on IBT-II 275/150 kV with a capacity of 250 MVA. The research findings reveal frequency fluctuations in contingency situations that subsequently recover continuously. Almost all bus voltages experience increases above the permissible limits, and adjustments to load and VAR generator settings are made according to established load procedures. These findings can serve as a reference for enhancing the operation of the power system under similar conditions.
Contingency Analysis, IBT, System Reliability
Analysis of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Technology in Diesel Displacement: A Case Study of Off-Grid Areas
This research aims to identify renewable energy solutions for the off-grid power system in Mentawai Regency, which currently relies heavily on diesel power plants (PLTD). As a world-renowned tourist destination with significant renewable energy potential, Mentawai Regency requires an adequate and sustainable electricity supply to support regional development and the tourism sector. This study analyzes several energy system configurations using combinations of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind power (PLTB), and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) featuring NCA, NCM, and LFP battery technologies. Simulation results indicate that a PV-Wind configuration with NCA batteries achieves the lowest Cost of Energy (COE) at 1.291 USD/kWh, with renewable energy penetration reaching 94.8%. Several tested configurations also demonstrate competitiveness against the Mentawai’s electricity generation cost (BPP) of 0.468 USD/kWh. Implementing these renewable energy systems could not only enhance energy resilience and reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also support infrastructure development and the tourism sector. Therefore, transitioning to renewable energy with phased BESS implementation is highly recommended to achieve energy efficiency and sustainability in the Mentawai Islands.
Mentawai, Renewable Energy, BESS, Cost of Energy (COE)
Study on the Application of Ammonia Co-firing in Existing 600 MW Subcritical Coal-Fired Power Plants in Indonesia: Investigation of Combustion Equipment.
PLN, Indonesia's only electricity provider company, still relies on coal-fired power plants (CFPP) for most of its electricity needs. The energy transition agenda forces PLN to review existing options so that coal-fired power plants can continue to operate until the end of their useful life. One of the hottest and newest programs in Indonesia is co-firing ammonia. Ammonia, a non-carbon fuel, replaces some coal burned in the boiler. Its application to existing boilers will shift operating patterns, especially on the combustion side. The investigation results said that co-firing ammonia would affect boiler performance, combustion profile, and several operating equipment. Boiler efficiency becomes lower in the presence of ammonia. Based on the combustion simulation results, the combustion temperature can be higher due to the additional heat of the injected fuel to maintain the power plant output. Some equipment, such as fan draft capability, should be re-examined because this application can increase its performance level.
CFPP, Ammonia, Indonesia, CO2, Combustion, Boiler
Study on The Implementation of Overfrequency Generation Shedding (OFGS) In Improving The System Defense Scheme of Sulutgo at The Amurang Power Plant
The North Sulawesi and Gorontalo (Sulutgo) power system comprises three subsystems or islands: Tanggari Island, Amurang Island, and Gorontalo Island. Each island has an imbalanced composition of generation and load. Consequently, if an island operation scheme is implemented, each island will experience either underfrequency or overfrequency issues. Amurang Island hosts the Amurang coal-fired power plant with a capacity of 2x21.5 MW and 2x27 MW, making it one of the largest power plants in Sulutgo. Therefore, if island operation occurs, Amurang Island's frequency will be affected, necessitating the implementation of an Overfrequency Generation Shedding (OFGS) scheme at the Amurang power plant. In the event of island operation, without an OFGS scheme, the frequency of Amurang Island would reach 54.89 Hz, but with the OFGS scheme in place, the frequency would improve to 50.13 Hz..
The Planning Study of 145 MW Grid Connected Cirata’s Floating PV to Support the Security of Supply in Jawa Bali Power Systems
In this paper, a design planning study which includes energy supply projection, and grid impact are used to develop 145 MW AC Floating Photovoltaics (FPV) in Cirata Hydroelectric power plant (HEPP) that would interconnect in Jawa Bali system is presented. Firstly, the evaluation study is conducted to estimate FPV’s energy production by defining parameters on object values to obtain the projection of solar energy production. Based on the calculation, the FPV has provided more than 300 GWh/year of energy production and reached 84% of its performance ratios. Subsequently, the grid interconnection study is performed to ensure the feasibility of this Variable Renewable Energy (VRE). The study also supports both strengthening grid security, and fulfilling the shares from renewable energy, due to the 23 % of national energy mixed. Ensuring the proper interconnection to the system, stability study was also carried out to observe whether the planning of the 145 MW is secure against the intermittency constrain due to its nature characteristic in the system either in 150 kV or 500 kV Transmission Lines (T/L) network. Consequently, the study analysis performed that FPV is ready to be integrated to utility grids, with minimum impact on its power system operation.
Analysis of Abnormal Hotspot Repair on the 500kV South Bandung – Mandirancan Transmission Line T.168 Using the Ohmstick Plus Live-Line Maintenance Method
The transmission system has the role of connecting generation centers with population growth centers. In the operation of the transmission system, it is not free from various disturbances and anomalies that can damage the reliability of the electricity distribution system. Hotspots are temperature abnormalities that occur in equipment that is powered by electric current, generally occurring at the connection point. Hotspots can cause losses because electrical energy is converted into heat energy at the point where the hotspot occurs. Hotspots can also cause equipment damage because they melt due to heat. Repair of hotspots that occur in conductor jumper clamps & link adjusters on SUTET 500KV South Bandung – Mandirancan (BDSLN-MDCAN) T.168 ARAH 167 FASA R. In this case it can be seen that a hotspot has occurred at an abnormal point. The point in question is the link adjuster, where this component functions to connect the yoke with the conductor to obtain the desired saging. The normal condition of the link is that there is no current so hotspots will not appear. OhmStick Plus is an instrumentation tool for measuring current and resistance in a connection directly and at voltage. So it will help describe the sequence of work points and serve to justify normal conditions after repair of the hotspot. The advantage gained when repairing hotspots using the PDKB method is that there is no need to wait for a scheduled power outage, especially when the anomaly status falls into the emergency category.
Implementation of an Integrated Management System: A Review and Case Study on Electric Power Transmission in Indonesia
The best management practice for companies with multiple management systems is to harmonize the different management systems into a single system, usually called an integrated management system. Through a number of case studies, this research examines practical implementation in an attempt to comprehend the emerging phenomenon in integrated management system research. An analysis of relevant research shows that current integrated management system research focuses on the most widely used and influential framework in integrated management systems, consisting of the integration of Quality, Environmental, and Occupational Health and Safety management systems. These frameworks are also confirmed by the findings of this research in Electric Power Transmission Units in Indonesia. The main contribution of this research is to provide valuable insights to researchers and practitioners on the most recent conceptual and practical developments that are occurring in the implementation of integrated management systems as the best management practices.
Comparison of Charging and Usage Efficiency of Portable Fan Batteries Using Grid Electricity and Solar Panels at Different Times
The provision of sufficient energy to meet human needs is severely hampered due to the lack of energy sources. Solar panels as one of the tools to design alternative power plants that can be used to capture sunlight and can be an alternative to energy sources. This research aims to provide a clear picture of the efficiency of using solar panels as an alternative energy source when compared to PLN’s electrical energy source, as well as to identify the fastest time to use solar panels and the most effective time to charge using solar panels. In this study, a comparative experimental method was carried out, namely solar panels placed in the sun with different time conditions, namely in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The time obtained in the three conditions is 5400 s, 14400 s, 16200 s, and the average time of charging using PLN is 7574.6 s. The results obtained by this study include charging portable batteries more effectively on solar panels than on PLN, and maximum charging during the day.
Electricity, solar panel, lithium battery
Techno-Economic Analysis of the Integration of Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) Solar Power Plant and Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) Hydroelectric Power Plant at Matenggeng
The increasing energy demand in Indonesia caused by population growth and industrialization, has prompted the government to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The national energy mix target sets 23% contribution of renewable energy by 2025. Solar photovoltaic is considered as one of the potential renewable energy, although it has a fluctuating production nature. The integration of floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) and pumped hydro storage (PHS) is a solution which able to improve the stability of electricity supply. PHS stores excess energy from FPV by pumping water to an upper reservoir and uses it for electricity generation when needed, such as at night or during cloudy weather. This study aims to analyse the technical and economical aspect of the integration of FPV and hydro electric generator with PHS in Matenggeng, West Java. This study evaluates the potential for operational cost savings, increased electricity supply reliability, and reduced carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel power plants. The results show that the integration of FPV and hydro electric generator with PHS in Matenggeng able to reduce the LCOE to $0,08431/kWh, which is lower than the scenario without the integration of PLTS and conventional systems. In addition, this system contributes to reducing carbon emissions by up to 4% per year. Thus, this integration offers a sustainable solution that supports the clean energy transition in Indonesia.