Ecobiz.asia — Nickel mining company PT Central Omega Resources Tbk (IDX: DKFT) has commenced operations of a hybrid off-grid solar power plant (PLTS) at its mining operations in North Morowali, Central Sulawesi, with the facility expected to generate around 404,230 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually.
The project, developed in collaboration with PT Xurya Daya Indonesia (Xurya), is expected to replace part of the fossil-fuel-based energy used in DKFT’s mining operations and reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by around 343,595.5 kilograms annually, according to the company.
The hybrid off-grid solar power system combines solar power with the company’s existing generation systems, allowing the facility to operate without relying on the national electricity grid while maintaining continuity of mining operations.
DKFT Director Andi Jaya said the implementation demonstrates that renewable energy can be practically integrated into mining operations, particularly in areas with limited access to the national electricity grid.
“The solar power system helps the company become more energy self-sufficient and, in turn, supports more sustainable mining activities. We hope this initiative will encourage other mining companies to take the next step and begin implementing solar power to meet their operational energy needs,” Andi said in a statement on Thursday (1/10).
The company said its mining operations in North Morowali face challenges in securing a stable and cost-efficient electricity supply due to limited access to the national grid. The hybrid off-grid system developed with Xurya is designed to operate alongside DKFT’s existing generation systems, enabling the company to reduce fossil fuel consumption without disrupting production continuity.
DKFT said the initiative is also part of its efforts to develop a lower-emission mineral supply chain, particularly amid growing global demand for low-carbon nickel for electric vehicle (EV) and battery supply chains. The company said the solar power facility is expected to reduce coal consumption by up to 272 kilograms annually. The clean electricity generated is also equivalent to the charging requirements of around 5,630 EVs.
DKFT described the project as an early implementation of hybrid off-grid solar power in nickel mining operations in North Morowali and part of the broader adoption of renewable energy in Indonesia’s mineral mining sector.
Eka Himawan, Managing Director of Xurya, said that the use of hybrid off-grid solar power at PT Central Omega Resources Tbk represents an important step in demonstrating that solar energy can be integrated into mining operations that require reliable and continuous energy supply, particularly in areas with limited access to the electricity grid.
“As a pioneer project in North Morowali, this project demonstrates that solar power systems can be designed to meet the specific characteristics and operational requirements of mining activities without compromising energy reliability. The implementation of solar power also highlights the growing opportunities for renewable energy to support the transformation of Indonesia’s mining industry.” he said.
The Indonesian Government continues to promote the increased role of renewable energy in the national energy mix and in the supply chains of downstream mineral industries, including nickel, as part of its commitment to achieving Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060. Amid growing global market demands — particularly from the EV and battery industries — for lower carbon footprints throughout the nickel supply chain, the utilization of solar energy at mining sites presents a relevant, flexible, and scalable solution that can be implemented progressively according to operational needs.
The inauguration of the hybrid off-grid solar power plant at COR’s mining site in North Morowali demonstrates that the energy transition can be broadly adopted and integrated into mineral mining operations, while further strengthening COR’s position as a nickel producer committed to responsible and sustainable mining practices.***
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