South Sulawesi’s wind energy potential requires assessment: Gov’t

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3 hours ago

Makassar (ANTARA) – Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry stated that the wind energy potential in South Sulawesi, which possesses distinct characteristics, requires study by academic institutions, particularly Hasanuddin University (Unhas), to maximize its utilization.

Eniya Listiani Dewi, an official of the ministry, stated in Makassar on Saturday that such studies are crucial because wind characteristics vary by region and hold the potential to support renewable energy development and local electricity systems.

According to Dewi, the region’s wind characteristics possess unique qualities that can be leveraged to support the electricity grid, particularly when hydropower generation declines during the dry season.

“Since wind characteristics differ across regions, specific studies are necessary. The involvement of universities like Unhas is vital for producing data-driven studies on renewable energy characteristics in each area,” she said.

Based on development projections, Indonesia’s wind power generation capacity has the potential to reach approximately 1 gigawatt over the next decade.

“Currently, the capacity stands at just 75 megawatts, including the facility at this location. I hear there are plans to expand by an additional 70 megawatts. Hopefully, this can be realized soon,” she said.

Unhas Vice Rector for Innovation and Business Management, Amir Ilyas, stated that South Sulawesi holds a strategic position as one of the regions with the greatest green energy potential in Eastern Indonesia.

Unhas views the renewable energy potential in South Sulawesi not merely as a geographical advantage, but also as a natural laboratory to drive innovation and accelerate the national energy transition.

“South Sulawesi is the green energy hub of Eastern Indonesia. We possess prime wind corridors, such as the Jeneponto and Sidenreng Rappang (Sidrap) wind farms, high solar intensity throughout the year, and massive hydropower potential,” Ilyas said.

Unhas’ research is directed toward the downstream application of appropriate technologies.

Some of the initiatives include the development of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based floating solar power plant, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and the utilization of biomass from local agricultural waste.

Unhas Director of Business Management and Asset Optimization, M. Yahya Siradjuddin, added that Unhas is committed to strengthening research and the provision of scientific data to support renewable energy development.