Potential for Renewable Energy Generation from Water Sources in the Batang River Area

Abstract

The ever-increasing use of fossil fuels causes the climate to become unbalanced due to the resulting pollution. Renewable energy is gaining widespread adoption because it is more cost-effective and eco-friendly. Using water as micro-hydro power plants or PLTMH can be a viable alternative to non-renewable fuel sources. Indonesia is one of the countries with the greatest application potential for micro-hydro power plants or PLTMH, particularly in Batang Regency, Central Java Province. This study focused on reducing the use of fossil fuels as a source of electricity in Batang Regency by utilizing water resources. Environmental approaches and hydrological analysis were employed in this study to achieve precise and optimal PLTMH planning outcomes. The results of the analysis indicated that the total discharge required to operate the PLTMH turbine is 2.22 m3/s with an 80% mainstay discharge, while the design flood discharge is 113,679 m3/s (Q100year). Implementing micro-hydro power plants or PLTMH in Batang Regency could be the first step in Indonesia’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.