Austria-based
hydro energy developer Andritz Hydro suggested that the government,
businesspeople and energy consumers in Indonesia pay more attention to the
future development of hydro energy sources.
Company
president director Josef M. Ulmer said Monday that the country had abundant
hydro energy potential, around 78,000 megawatts (MW), but as of today
utilization still stood at only around 4,500 MW.
“Hydro is
the old lady of renewable energy. It’s not as sexy as solar energy, but it is
one of the most reliable sources of energy, including in Indonesia,” he told
reporters at a press conference on the sidelines of the World Renewable Energy
Congress in Nusa Dua, Bali.
With a
current electrification ratio of about 70 percent, hydro energy could be one of
the best options for providing access to electricity in certain regions of the
country, he said, adding that the future of hydro energy was very encouraging.
As reported
earlier, the government and state electricity utility PLN were preparing the
concept for the third phase of the 10,000 MW fast-track program. During this
phase, most new power plants would use water for generating electricity.
