Introduction
Indonesia is facing major challenges in the energy transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. In the midst of increasing energy needs and the increasingly real issue of climate change, hydropower has emerged as a strategic solution. Hydropower is one of the most reliable forms of renewable energy because it is sourced from a sustainable hydrological cycle and has minimal carbon emissions.
One of the higher education institutions that focus on the development of hydropower technology is the Telkom University Energy Systems Engineering S1 Study Program. With a system approach and technology integration, this program encourages students to be active in the development and utilization of water energy as part of a sustainable national energy system.
Basic Concepts and Benefits of Hydropower
What is Hydropower?
Hydropower is a technology that uses the kinetic and potential energy of water to generate electricity. This energy is obtained through:
- Run-of-river
- Reservoir
- Gravity-fed
The energy from the water drives a turbine connected to a generator to produce electricity. This process is free from combustion, so it does not produce direct greenhouse gas emissions.
Types of Hydropower:
- Large-Scale Hydroelectric Power Plants
- Minihydro (PLTM, capacity 1–10 MW)
- Microhydro (PLTMH, capacity <1 MW)
- Picohydro (capacity <100 kW, suitable for households/villages)
Hydropower Advantages:
- Clean and renewable energy
- Technical life of the system can be more than 50 years
- High efficiency (±90%)
- Potential combination with irrigation, flood control, and tourism
- Low operational and maintenance costs
- Stable (base load), not fluctuating like solar or wind
Hydropower Challenges:
- High initial investment
- Environmental impact on river ecosystem
- Requires topographic and hydrological feasibility studies
Potential and Realization of Hydropower in Indonesia
Indonesia as an archipelagic country has high rainfall and thousands of rivers, making the potential for hydropower very large. Based on the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Indonesia’s hydropower potential reaches 75,000 MW. However, only about 6.19% of this potential has been optimally utilized.
Areas with great hydropower potential:
- Sumatra and North Sumatra
- West Java and Central Java
- West Kalimantan
- South Sulawesi
- Papua and Nusa Tenggara
Examples of Large Hydroelectric Power Plants (PLTA):
- (PLTA):Cirata PLTA – 1,008 MW
- Saguling PLTA – 700 MW
- Asahan PLTA – 180 MW
- Baru PLTA – 126 MW
Want to become an expert in renewable energy systems that the industry needs? Join now at S1 Energy Systems Engineering Telkom University!
FAQ
Q: Is this study program suitable for me who wants to focus on renewable energy?
A: A perfect fit. The curriculum and facilities are designed to support the mastery of new and renewable energy, especially hydropower.
Q: What are the job prospects for graduates?
A: Graduates can work in the national energy sector, power system consultants, renewable energy developers, and research and education.
Q: Are there any real projects that students work on?
A: Yes, students are involved in PLTMH projects, hybrid system design, and energy monitoring application development.
Reference :
Nababan, W. N., Putra, I. B. K., & Jasa, L. (2024). Rancang Bangun Prototype Micro Hydropower Berkendali Internet of Things pada Instalasi Pembuangan Air Limbah Suwung. jursistekni.nusaputra.ac.id. https://doi.org/10.52005/jursistekni.v6i3.370
Rospriandana, N., Burke, P. J., Suryani, A., Mubarok, M. H., & Pangestu, M. A. (2023). Over a century of small hydropower projects in Indonesia: a historical review. Energy Sustainability and Society, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-023-00408-1
Aditya, I. A., Wijayanto, T., & Hakam, D. F. (2025). Advancing Renewable Energy in Indonesia: A comprehensive analysis of challenges, opportunities, and strategic solutions. Sustainability, 17(5), 2216. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052216
Tags : S1 Teknik Sistem Energi | Sistem Energi | Electrical Energy Engineering
Author: Rasyifa Putri Raidah – Directorate of Information Technology Center
