OREANDA-NEWS. July 17, 2012. PT Pertamina (Persero) collaborates with PT LEN Industry to realize the integrated photovoltaic (PV) solar industry as a realization of the Company's commitment to increase the contribution of renewable energy in national energy mix, which is inline with the company vision as World Class Energy Company, reported the press-centre of PT Pertamina.

The synergy of the two state-owned companies was marked by the signing of memorandum of understanding for the establishment of joint-venture of integrated PV solar factory between Pertamina and LEN in Jakarta today. The collaboration is hoped to spark the increase of utilization of solar energy power generation in Indonesia, which currently reaches around 18MWp (megawatt peak) or 0.05% of total existing power generation.   

PV Solar is the right solution to increase national electrification, particularly to reach out to distant Indonesian islands, which currently not connected to electricity supply and which have natural terrain difficult for fuel delivery for power generation or genset.

Besides, the market potential for PV Solar in domestic market is high enough, be it for road light, airport light, infrastructure, housing and office, and for CSR projects of state-owned corporations and private companies.

"The Government, through Perpres No. 5/ 2006, launched that 0.2 - 0.3% of national energy mix should come from solar energy or equal to 1,000MWp by 2025. It means an addition of 65MWp per year. In line with its vision, Pertamina pays attention to quickening the industry development integrated PV solar industry, including the collaboration with LEN Industri," said President Director of Pertamina Karen Agustiawan.

Through the collaboration of the two companies, the business chain for national solar industry will cover from upstream to downstream. Currently national PV Solar industry only produce modules and systems, meanwhile the solar cells, which are the main components, are imported at rather high price.

"The establishment of PV Solar industry will increase the utilization of renewable energy and increase the independence of national solar energy industry, increase technology capability, create new jobs, and fuel economic development, "Karen Agustiawan emphasized.