Cost Efficiency Potential of IDR 4 Billion a Year, Pertamina Encourages 5000 Gas Stations to Install Rooftop Photovoltaic Power Station

Jakarta, September 14, 2021 – Pertamina targets the installation of Solar Power Plants (PLTS) at 5000 gas stations, which can save a total of IDR 4 billion in a year for all these gas stations and save the electricity bill costs. Pertamina NRE, as a Pertamina subholding, will install the PLTS.

The energy transition by Pertamina can be seen at the new Pertamina gas stations. Green Energy Station is the new concept of Pertamina’s gas station, providing an integrated and environmentally friendly service to consumers. One thing that looks different on the GES is using the Rooftop PLTS to meet electricity needs.

“Pertamina supports the net-zero emissions effort. Gas stations, known only as places to fill fuel, have become more environmentally friendly with the GES concept, where electricity needs are met by PLTS and provide services for a more environmentally friendly consumer lifestyle. The installation of PLTS at 5,000 gas stations is estimated to have the potential to reduce emissions by 34 thousand tons of CO2 per year,” said Pertamina NRE’s Chief Executive Officer, Dannif Danusaputro.

Not only decarbonization but the use of PLTS also provide economic benefits for gas station owners of up to IDR 1 million per month from savings in electricity bill costs. If as many as 5,000 gas stations install PLTS with a capacity of 5 KWp, the total potential savings generated is around IDR 4 billion in a year.

The PLTS installed at the gas station is the rooftop photovoltaic power station with an on-grid system. The PLTS is integrated with the electricity supply network to store energy generated from solar energy. It is to increase flexibility and share the role of a backup power supply. Compared to off-grid systems, on-grid systems use simpler technology so that installation costs are also more competitive.

The research by BloombergNEF shows that from 2010 to 2020, the cost of PLTS investment fell drastically by 90 percent. With the development of technology and increasing economies of scale, it is projected that the cost of installing PLTS will be competitive compared to fossil-based fuel power plants.

Not only that, the operation and maintenance of the Rooftop PLTS are relatively easy. For maintenance, solar panels only need to be cleaned at least every six months to avoid dirt and fungus. The HSSE aspect is a top priority in Pertamina’s business so that the PLTS construction process is ensured to be safe.

“We are very concerned about the safety and comfort of consumers. HSSE Golden Rules has become a culture at Pertamina, where security and safety aspects will not be separated from any of our operational activities, so consumers don’t have to worry,” added Dannif.

Another interesting thing about Rooftop PLTS is the futuristic appearance of solar panels that can provide a decorative function on the gas station’s roof. In some countries where solar power is more advanced, solar panel products provide functional benefits and are also more varied, with several color choices adding decoration to the building roofs.