Green electricity recognition increasingly favoured
This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Bisnis Indonesia - Pengakuan listrik hijau kian diminati
10 March 2025
By Akhirul Anwar
Industry players in the country are increasingly seeking recognition for the transparent, accountable, and internationally acknowledged use of renewable energy, in line with growing environmental awareness.
One such recognition is achieved through the Green as a Service (GEAS) Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) service by PT PLN (Persero). PLN's REC certifies that the electricity production per megawatt hour (MWh) used by customers originates from verified green electricity.
Recently, PLN, through its Unit Induk Distribusi (UID) Riau and Riau Islands, distributed 592 REC units, equivalent to 592 MWh of green electricity, to PT Inecda Plantation, a palm oil industry company in Indragiri Hulu, Riau, on Monday (24/2).
Each REC certificate verifies that the electricity used by customers is sourced from renewable or non-fossil power plants. The APX Tradable Instrument for Global Renewables (TIGRS) tracking system from the United States ensures compliance with international standards.
As of 2024, PLN's green electricity services have been utilised by 7,354 customers, marking a 117% increase from the previous year's 3,378 customers.
PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo stated that REC provides a solution for the industrial and business sectors to access reliable and affordable green electricity.
He noted that the demand for products manufactured using clean energy is a crucial factor in maintaining industrial competitiveness.
"As the backbone of the national renewable energy provider, PLN is committed to enhancing industrial competitiveness by offering green electricity services that are 100% supplied by our renewable energy plants through REC. We are prepared to meet the green electricity needs of the business and industrial sectors with a simple and swift process," Darmawan stated.
Since its launch in 2020, REC sales have consistently recorded significant growth, reaching 10.99 terawatt hours (TWh) by 2024.
Of the total sales, 49% was achieved in 2024, amounting to 5.38 TWh, marking a 52% year-on-year increase. This growth is attributed to the rising interest of customers, particularly in the business and industrial sectors, in REC.
Several of PLN's green electricity customers include Nike, PT Cheil Jedang Indonesia, PT Asahimas Chemical, PT Agincourt Resources, PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Tbk, PT Air Liquide Indonesia, PT South Pacific Viscose, PT Sorini Agro Asia Corporindo, PT Smelting, and PT Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia.
They are the largest REC users, with a total capacity of 2.81 TWh, accounting for approximately 52% of the total capacity used in 2024.
The strong interest from industrial and business sector customers in REC green electricity services this year is expected to continue growing next year.
"An increasing number of large companies, both domestic and international, are entrusting their green electricity supply to PLN's REC. We are optimistic that this green electricity service will continue to expand," he explained.
Darmawan explained that currently, eight PLN power plants supply green electricity for REC customers. These include Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP), Ulubelu PLTP, Lahendong PLTP, Ulumbu PLTP, Cirata Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA), Bakaru PLTA, Orya Genyem PLTA, and Lambur Minihydro Power Plant (PLIM).
