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RI eyes former mining land for solar power plants
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Final tweaks: Technicians check panels on Sept. 29, 2023, at the Cirata floating solar photovoltaic plant, located at the Cirata Reservoir in Purwakarta, West Java. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated the floating solar power plant, the largest in Southeast Asia, on Nov. 9. (Antara/Raisan Al Farisi)
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he Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is aiming to convert more former coal and mineral mines into solar power projects to boost renewable electricity generation.
Lana Saria, the energy ministry's natural resource economics expert, said that many former coal and mineral mines in Sumatra and Kalimantan could be used to install ground-mounted solar panels.
“Some [mines] entering their post-mining operations have [already] gone through this process. [...] Other similar projects are under construction and are awaiting PLN’s quota,” Lana said on Friday.
She said this includes PT Mega Prima Persada, which has installed solar panels in its former mining areas.
Read also: RI renewable energy investment lowest in years amid transition push
Lana explained that mines usually leave behind excavation holes or remaining mine holes called voids or pit lakes.
These voids, she said, may be filled with water, which could be turned into a water source, a tourist destination or a place to install floating solar panels.
