Auxiliary kWh Efficiency of Substations Using Renewable Energy Potency in East Kalimantan Province

Abstract

PT PLN (Persero) as the Indonesian state electricity supply company must carry out an energy transition in terms of generation, transmission and distribution. Substations in Indone- sia’s electric power transmission sector have not yet incorporated the idea of green energy into their operations, despite the fact that there is a great deal of potential for green energy in substations, such as the usage of solar and wind energy. The primary power source for the auxiliary substation is energy form the grid, with diesel power serving as a backup. However, the energy mix in the Kalimantan grid is still dominated by energy from coal (based on the Laporan Evaluasi Operasi Tahunan PLN UIP3B 2023). This research investigates the technical and economic viability of utilizing renewable energy in auxiliary substations to mitigate the company’s escalating financial burden. Technically, the study aims to determine the optimal PV panel capacity required for auxiliary power needs. Economically, it evaluates the total investment and operational costs, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Return on Investment (ROI), payback periods, and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Unique to this study is the direct measurement of kWh consumption data from

23 substations in East and North Kalimantan, a method not previously employed. The findings provide recommendations on the appropriate PV capacity for installation in substations and present economic analysis.