Previously, electricity only lasted 4 hours, Sembur Island fishermen are now served by PLTS

BATAM, GARISBUMI.com – Residents of Sembur Island, Batam City, Riau Islands, can now enjoy electricity for 24 hours after the presence of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) with a capacity of 1 megawatt peak (MWp). Previously, people relied on self-supporting generators which only ran for three to four hours at night.

This change in electricity service reaches around 200 families on the island. Around 90 percent of residents work as catch and line fishermen, making energy availability an important part of developing coastal economic activities.

Based on information from the Riau Islands Province Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Service, the Sembur Island PLTS was built by PT Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE) on an area of almost one hectare.

This power plant is a pilot project for the Productive Use of Energy, namely the use of energy to support productive community activities.

From lighting to productive activities

Sembur Island is in Galang Baru Village, Galang District, Batam City. For years, limited supply from generators meant that residents only had electricity part of the night.

The presence of PLTS changes this condition by providing electricity services throughout the day. For an island where the majority of the population depends on fishing, the electricity supply opens up space to develop energy use beyond home lighting needs.

However, the statement from the Riau Islands ESDM Service has not detailed the productive facilities that have been operating using electricity or changes in fishermen's income after PLTS arrived. The economic benefits still need to be seen from the use of electricity in people's daily activities.