Hang Nadim International Airport To Use Solar Power Plant

Batam, Riau Islands (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian state-owned electronics company Len Industri is exploring cooperation to install a solar electricity system to supply power to Hang Nadim International Airport located in Batam, Riau Islands province.

"We have discussed this plan with the head of the Batam administration," Commissioner of Len Energi Arifien Habibie noted here on Wednesday.

Although the solar power system will not be able to meet all the electricity needs, he affirmed that the system will at least be able to reduce dependence on electricity generated from fossil fuel.

"Today, about 90 percent of the power plants in Indonesia use diesel fuel to generate electricity. It is wasteful and environmentally unfriendly. Moreover, the oil reserves are declining. Thus, the solar power plant can be a viable alternative," Habibie pointed out.

He noted that Batam should utilize environmentally friendly electrical systems.

Habibie affirmed that the solar power electrical system is suitable for Batam due to the high intensity of sunlight compared to the level of rainfall received in the region.

"Taking advantage of the intense heat, the solar module will be able to save a significant amount of energy that will be converted into electricity," Habibie explained.

According to Habibie, the system is comparatively more expensive than other power plants, though it would turn out to be more cost-effective in the long run.

Hang Nadim International Airport, built in 1980, is owned by the Batam Administration. (WDY)