Switching to NRE, KAI Installs Solar Panels at Stations and Offices

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) inaugurated the use of Solar Power Plants (PLTS) or Solar Panels at KAI Stations and Offices at Gambir Station, Monday (26/9). Currently, KAI has installed Solar Panels at Gambir Station with a capacity of 40.5 kWp and the Jakarta Railway Center building with a capacity of 40 kWp.

Gambir Station with Solar Panels installed on its roof
 

KAI Director of Finance and Risk Management Salusra Wijaya said the installation of these Solar Panels is part of KAI's energy transition efforts by using New and Renewable Energy (NRE) to supply electricity across various KAI assets.

“The implementation of Solar Panels at KAI stations and offices is part of the KAI 77th Anniversary series with the theme Rise Faster, Serve Better. At this anniversary momentum, KAI wants to participate in greening Indonesia through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in the utilization of NRE to create a better and sustainable business ecosystem,” said Salusra.

In the initial phase, this energy transition has been applied at Gambir Station because this station is an iconic station in the center of Jakarta City. Gambir Station is also a major station that has a history and highly vital function to serve customers to this day. Meanwhile, the Jakarta Railway Center Building is one of KAI's main office buildings apart from the KAI Head Office located in Bandung.

Electricity at the station is used daily for various needs such as lighting, air conditioning, sound systems, and various electronic equipment used for passenger facilities and other railway operational interests. By using Solar Panels with a capacity of 40.5 kWp at Gambir Station, KAI can save electricity usage by up to 6.75%, assuming optimal daily solar energy capture for 4 hours from 10.00 to 14.00.
As an illustration, when the Solar Panels produce electricity of 40.5 kWp, it can be used to operate 20 units of 2 HP air conditioners simultaneously or approximately turn on 1,000 40-watt LED lights installed inside the station at the same time.
The utilization of solar energy implemented at Gambir Station and the Jakarta Railway Center uses an On Grid Solar Panel system that combines the electricity supply from the PLN grid and the Solar Panel grid.
Specifically for the implementation of Solar Panels at Gambir Station, it is the result of a State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN) Synergy between KAI and Pertamina NRE. This collaboration is a follow-up to the MoU of the two companies regarding the Development of New & Renewable Energy in KAI Assets signed on March 9, 2022.
“BUMNs are encouraged to play a major role in decarbonization efforts. The utilization of renewable energy like this KAI initiative will contribute to emission reduction. For that reason, we are very enthusiastic about this collaboration. We highly welcome other collaboration opportunities that will drive the achievement of the net zero emission target,” said Director of Projects and Operations of Pertamina NRE Norman Ginting, who was also present at the inauguration ceremony.

In the future, KAI will increase the power of these Solar Panels and add more installation locations across other KAI assets gradually. Thus, efficiency will occur in the use and control of building energy, and the use of NRE can become increasingly widespread throughout KAI's entire working area.

With these Solar Panels installed, KAI also supports the government's program in welcoming the G20 Indonesia Presidency regarding the priority issue of Sustainable Energy Transition. This step is also aligned with the government's policy to reduce greenhouse gases towards Net Zero Emission in 2060.

“KAI consistently applies Environmental, Social, and Governance in the company with the hope of realizing a sustained business. Thus, KAI can continue to provide the best service for all its customers,” concluded Salusra.