Source:solarquarter
PT PLN (Persero) has achieved a significant milestone by providing round-the-clock clean electricity to residents of Polewali Island, Saugi Island, and Sapuli Island in Pangkajene and Kepulauan (Pangkep) Regency, South Sulawesi. This development comes through the company’s innovative SuperSUN program, which installed 118 micro solar power generator units (PLTS) and energy storage solutions in these remote areas.
The SuperSUN program, part of PLN’s commitment to renewable energy, features individual solar power plants with a capacity of 900 Volt Ampere (VA). Each unit includes a photovoltaic (PV) panel with a capacity ranging from 440 to 700 Wp and a battery with a 2 kWh capacity. The installation marks a significant step in electrifying frontier, outermost, and disadvantaged (3T) regions in Indonesia.
Residents have already begun to experience the benefits of continuous electricity. Basir Daeng Liong, a fisherman from Polewali Island, shared that the availability of electricity has transformed daily life and work. Previously, he had to travel 12.4 kilometers to Pangkep to purchase ice for his catch, but now he can use a freezer, reducing his monthly energy costs from Rp210,000 to around Rp50,000.
“The presence of electricity has made us more productive and allowed us to use freezers, water pumps, refrigerators, and support children’s education,” said Basir.
Pangkep Regent Muhammad Yusran Lalogau praised PLN’s efforts, emphasizing that the SuperSUN initiative has greatly benefited the local economy and improved the community’s quality of life. “We appreciate PLN for bringing SuperSUN to these islands and hope the community maintains these advancements,” Yusran stated.
PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo affirmed the company’s dedication to energy justice across Indonesia, especially in remote areas. “PLN remains committed to supporting the government’s goals by innovating to provide reliable electricity, reflecting the principles of Pancasila,” Prasodjo said.
Budiono, General Manager of PLN’s Distribution Unit for South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi (UID Sulselrabar), highlighted the SuperSUN program as a testament to PLN’s commitment to equitable electricity access. He noted that by July 2024, the Electrification Ratio in South Sulawesi had reached 99.99%. “Electricity is vital for everyday life. With these new installations, local economies can improve as fish storage and other activities become more efficient,” Budiono explained.
He also encouraged the community to take care of the installed assets and assured them of PLN’s readiness to address any issues. “We are optimistic that this new electricity access will bring positive changes and open new economic opportunities for the local population,” Budiono added.