Jambi, Indonesia | Micro Hydro Power Plant
Jambi, Indonesia
Date: July 5, 2023
Fast Facts
- Mayor: Syarif Fasha
- Population: 611,353
- Area: 205.4 Km²
- GCoM Signatory since 2016
Background
Electricity is a fundamental requirement for economic progress and infrastructure development in rural regions. However, certain areas in Jambi, such as Lubuk Bangkar village in the Sarolangun district, as well as Ngaol, Air Liki, and Air Liki Baru in the Tabir Barat sub-district of Merangin district, remain without electricity. Nevertheless, these areas possess a valuable energy resource in the form of river water, which holds potential to generate electricity.[1]
Solutions Implemented
The collaboration between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the New and Renewable Energy Directorate General (EBTKE) of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, and the Jambi provincial administration has resulted in the successful construction of a micro hydro electric plant (PLTMH) project. This project was specifically designed to address the lack of electricity in isolated areas of Jambi. Over a period of 6 months, the power plant was built, following 7 months of thorough preparations including site selection and stakeholder involvement. The primary objective was to ensure that the project benefited the community’s poorest and most vulnerable members. The funding for this project was secured through a collaborative effort involving multiple parties. As a result, the power plant can now deliver electricity to approximately 803 households across four remote villages in two districts of Jambi.[2]
Results and Solutions Learned
The construction of the micro hydro-electric plant (PLTMH) in the village of Lubuk Bangkar, Sarolangun district, has resulted in a significant breakthrough in addressing the area’s energy supply issue. This project not only provides access to electricity for the community but also contributes to the rapid economic development of the village. The availability of electric energy enables various economic activities to flourish, ultimately closing the national development gap.
Furthermore, the PLTMH project has positive implications for upper river forest conservation. By generating revenue through the hydropower plant, the focus of development turns away from relying on timber business from the forest and towards maintaining and utilising renewable energy sources.forest.[3] It is crucial to align the improvement of micro hydropower with sustainable initiatives such as non-timber forest revenue programmes or other businesses that preserve the forest’s ecological function. This approach ensures the long-term sustainability of both energy generation and forest conservation efforts.
[1] Fardah Assegaf, “Micro Hydro electric plant commissioned in Jambi,” Antaranews.com, September 6, 2018, from https://en.antaranews.com/news/118251/micro-hydro-electric-plant-commissioned-in-jambi
[2] Rizal Bahtiar, A. Faroby Falatehan, Deffi Ayu Puspito Sari, and Suyono Thamrin, “Economic Impact of Microhydro Power Project in Jambi Province, Indonesia,” European Union Digital Library, November 26, 2019, from https://eudl.eu/doi/10.4108/eai.18-7-2019.2288677
[3] Makati City, “BAZNAS APPRECIATED BY THE UNITED NATIONS, MINISTER OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AGENCY (BAPPENAS) INAUGURATES JAMBI MICRO HYDRO POWER PLANT,” Puskasbaznas.com, September 07, 2018, from https://www.puskasbaznas.com/news/793-baznas-appreciated-by-the-united-nations-minister-of-national-development-planning-agency-bappenas-inaugurates-jambi-micro-hydro-power-plant
