Indonesia

Hashim Djojohadikusumo is diversifying his business interests and setting up new ventures that include renewable energy.

Kalimantan has been identified as a suitable site nuclear energy development as it is relatively earthquake-free from compared to Java.

Indonesia will spend $436 million to build 100 new gas stations in Java as part of a national effort to urge private car users to use less polluting natural gas as fuel.

Indonesia still has a lot of hard work to do to exploit its full potential in renewable energy. And wean itself from a powerful dependence on coal.

Perusahaan Listrik Negara will operate three new coal-fired power plants in Banten.

Medco Power sold a 51 percent stake to Saratoga Capital to help fund its plan to quadruple its power generating ability in the next four years.

Wijaya Karya is expecting its investment in four power-plant projects to bring revenues worth Rp 470 billion or $51.7 million next year.

Sharp will invest US$ 1 billion in solar cell technology in Indonesia according to a deal sealed at the ASEAN Summit in Bali.

The Indonesian government plans to build new power plants with total capacity of 4,000 megawatts in Batam, Riau Islands.

Moody’s sees a stable outlook for Indonesian coal industry, but negative rating implications would arise if issuers use their surplus to the benefit of key shareholders.

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.

PLN announced that the by the completion of the Paiton coal-fired power plant in Pasuruan, East Java, by the end of this year.

PLN announced that it produced 134 terrawat hours of electricity across Indonesia during the first nine months of 2011.

PT Bhimasena Power Indonesia will build a 2,000MW coal-fired power plant in Central Java at an estimated cost of US$4 billion.

India’s Nalco signed an agreement for setting up a 1,250-Mw coal-based power plant in Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province at an investment of US $4.5 billion.

The contract is for the extension of two 500 kV substations at Kembangan and Muara Tawar and delivery of a new 150 kV substation in Muara Tawar.