The Future of Wind Power Plants in Indonesia: Potential, Challenges, and Policies

Nugroho Agung Pambudi (), Desita Kamila Ulfa, Iksan Riva Nanda, Indra Mamad Gandidi, Apri Wiyono, Muhammad Kunta Biddinika, Bayu Rudiyanto and Lip Huat Saw
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Nugroho Agung Pambudi: Department of Mechanical Engineering Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia
Desita Kamila Ulfa: Energy and Society Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Education, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia
Iksan Riva Nanda: Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
Indra Mamad Gandidi: Energy Conversion and Conservation Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
Apri Wiyono: Department of Automotive Engineering Education, Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education, Indonesia University of Education, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
Muhammad Kunta Biddinika: Department of Informatics, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Universitas Ahmad Dahlan, Jend. Ahmad Yani Banguntapan, Yogyakarta 55191, Indonesia
Bayu Rudiyanto: Renewable Energy Engineering Study Program, Engineering Department, Politeknik Negeri Jember, Jember 68121, Indonesia
Lip Huat Saw: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kajang 43000, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 3, 1-27

Abstract: Energy is one of the essential human needs that plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable development. Indonesia is among the countries that are highly focused on developing renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve net-zero emissions. In addition, the government has launched various policies and programs to promote the use of renewable energy, such as increased investment in biomass, geothermal, and solar power generation. Wind energy stands out as a sufficient, widely available, and an environmentally friendly alternative in renewable energy. In 2021, the Indonesian Energy Outlook highlights that Indonesia has an energy potential of 154.9 gigawatts (GWs). It is associated with minimal emissions of greenhouse gases during its operation and does not demand vast tracts of land. However, the actual installed capacity of wind power plants is at a modest 157.41 megawatts (MWs). Meanwhile, the targeted capacity is 255 MWs for 2025. One significant factor contributing to this lower-than-expected capacity is a lack of in-depth research into the potential of wind energy. Consequently, the primary aim of this paper is to conduct a thorough examination of the wind energy potential in Indonesia. This includes an analysis of the current state of both existing and upcoming power plants, as well as a review of recent studies conducted by Indonesian researchers on wind turbines. Furthermore, this paper explores the government program to encourage the sustainable development of wind power plants. It also explains various aspects including the untapped wind energy potential, the interference in developing wind power plants, and the strategy to harness the full potential of abundant renewable resources in Indonesia. Through an in-depth investigation of the potential of wind energy, this review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the current conditions and prospects of wind power plants in Indonesia as well as contribute to a more accurate mapping of wind energy potential and more targeted development, specifically in remote areas, outer islands, and borders. The results obtained are expected to support Indonesia’s energy transition toward more environmentally friendly and sustainable renewable energy sources, thereby reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Keywords: renewable energy; wind energy; greenhouse gas emissions; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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