Off Grid Communal PLTS Officially Operating in West Sumba and Southwest Sumba

Sumba, NTT (02/09/2024) – PT Surya Energi Indotama in collaboration with the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) Indonesia through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia is carrying out a flagship project entitled "Accelerating Clean Energy Access to Reduce Inequality (ACCESS)" which is implemented in the Off-grid Communal PLTS Project.

In this project, there are 7 locations of Off-grid Communal PLTS spread across the West Sumba and Southwest Sumba Regions, namely Mata Wee Lima, Ekapata 1, Ekapata 2, Watukarere, Dangga Mango and Gaura with a total capacity of 218.9 kWp which have been inaugurated by the National Project Manager of UNDP Indonesia, Mathilde Sari Gokmauli, Program Manager of UNDP Indonesia, Gwen Palmos, Secretary of the Directorate General of EBTKE - ESDM, Sahid Junaidi, Regent of Central Sumba Regency, Jusuf Lery, and Regent of Southwest Sumba Regency, Kornelius Kodi Mete and attended by the Director of Marketing and Business Development of SEI, Ridwan Kurnia.

The project was successfully completed with the support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) by empowering local operators through training and capacity building, as well as strengthening local institutions, especially Village-Owned Enterprises or BUMDesa to ensure the sustainability of the operation of the PLTS while opening up opportunities for local economic growth.

In addition to providing lighting to the surrounding villages, this solar power installation has contributed to improving the quality of life in the surrounding communities, creating new opportunities for local development. A total of 20 BUMDesas have been established or revitalized, ensuring sustainable management and maintenance of the PLTS. Not only that, with the presence of the Off Grid Communal PLTS, BUMDesa has successfully launched various businesses, including trade, livestock and tilapia cultivation with a biofloc system, as well as services such as photocopying, cargo transportation, and excavator services that in carrying out their business activities use clean energy from the PLTS in their daily operations.

"Thank you for the cooperation that has been established from various parties until the completion of this ACCESS Project. We hope that with this PLTS, it can increase community empowerment in terms of economic development, welfare and literacy which will support the achievement of clean and sustainable energy development in Indonesia." Said Ridwan Kurnia in between his activities accompanying the group during the inauguration session.

This Off Grid Communal PLTS will be fully operated by the Village with the support of local operators involving 46% of women as operators in all Villages who have been equipped with training and certification programs including SEI which has participated in providing qualified training for the smooth operation of the Long-term PLTS.

Together with the Government and various related parties, SEI continues to strive for electricity access that can be reached by all people towards a more equitable and sustainable energy future. Of course, the success of this project can be an achievement achieved through collaboration, innovation, and solid commitment.**

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