PLN Indonesia Power leads the charge in next-generation plant efficiency

Annually, the primary energy efficiency achieved by PLN IP is equivalent to IDR52.5b (US$3.36m).

PT PLN Indonesia Power (PLN IP) strives to continually enhance power generation to the next level by focusing on reducing production costs through various programmes internalised by field employees. This initiative places special emphasis on efficiency management in power plants, involving the implementation of governance that engages all relevant personnel and is evaluated in real-time using digital technology to ensure power plants always operate at their peak conditions.

Discussing the vision for the next level in power generation, PLN IP’s CEO, Edwin Nugraha Putra, highlighted the shift from merely targeting efficiency for each generator. Instead, the focus is on a holistic approach to efficiency management involving all stakeholders.

“This comprehensive strategy is carefully evaluated in real-time using digital technology, ensuring power plants always operate at their optimal conditions,” he told Asian Power in an exclusive interview.

Further elaborating on the strategy to maximise efficiency and improve power plant performance, the PLN IP CEO emphasised the importance of effective cross-disciplinary coordination. “Seamless collaboration across operational actions and maintenance significantly influences efficiency and reliability improvements,” he said.

He stressed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology in accelerating response times and enabling real-time progress monitoring, pointing to the integration of Asset Performance Management (APM) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM).

Latest technology

At present, PLN IP is developing APM through the REOC (Reliability Efficiency Optimization Center) application platform and EAM through the Maximo application.

The REOC is equipped with machine learning algorithms that process sensor data from power plant equipment, provide efficiency calculations, and offer recommendations to power plant operators. These recommendations are linked to the digital governance of operational and maintenance processes through the Maximo EAM application.

Illustrating the success of this initiative, Edwin shared an impressive success story from 2019. The REOC algorithm detected changes in the equipment conditions at the Suralaya #1 Power Plant (400 MW), predicting a significant thermal efficiency decrease in the next week. Timely maintenance, guided by REOC recommendations implemented through Maximo EAM work orders, led to the equipment's recovery to its highest efficiency point. As a result, there was an annual energy efficiency improvement equivalent to 120 kCal/kWh or IDR52.5 billion (US$3.36m).

“This latest advanced technology provides predictive insights into power plant efficiency changes through sophisticated analytical dashboards in the APM REOC platform. Real-time evaluations of power plant efficiency and precise recommendations in response to operational parameter changes are now possible,” said Edwin.

3 key areas

In response to the progress of the PLN IP project, the CEO revealed an outstanding achievement of meeting an 82% connectivity target.

However, he acknowledged that challenges still exist, with the main obstacle being the prediction of disruptions in all power plant equipment.

PLN IP has collaborated with educational institutions and artificial intelligence technology vendors to expand prediction algorithms in the REOC APM platform, addressing opportunities to connect a larger percentage of the total power plant equipment, reaching over 5000 units.

Looking ahead, PLN IP has strategically aligned efforts in three key areas: People, Processes, and Technology.

Edwin explained that initiatives to improve employee competence extend beyond operational skills, encompassing future technologies such as data science, big data analytics, and security systems. Continuous reviews of business processes ensure adaptability, whilst the integration of various digital applications simplifies transactions between processes.

“Collaboration with educational institutions and technology vendors emphasises PLN IP’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements,” said Edwin.

Through the integration of cutting-edge technology, a culture of collaboration, and strategic investments in workforce development, PLN IP is shaping the power generation landscape. “The goal is a future where quality electricity remains accessible to all, reflecting PLN IP’s sustainable contribution to the country’s energy landscape,” he said.