Sumatra, Indonesia’s largest island, is covered by dense tropical forests that are home to countless plant and animal species. Its fertile soil is ideal for growing rice and other commodities such as coffee, cacao, cinnamon, and palm sugar. Despite this, new economic opportunities are limited by rudimentary infrastructure and poor electricity access – and growing energy demands threaten Sumatra’s unique natural ecosystems.
This grid-connected, run-of-river hydroelectricity plant is built on the upper banks of the Musi River near Sumatra’s port city of Bengkulu. By harnessing the kinetic energy of powerful running water, the Musi River Hydro plant has a total-installed capacity of 210 MW and delivers over 765,000 MWh to Sumatra’s grid every year – that’s enough to meet the demands of over 700,000 Indonesians on average each year!
generated on average annually by the hydro plant, displacing fossil fuel-generated electricity and boosting Indonesia’s renewables sector
created in power plant operations, with part-time employment opportunities offered during the construction phase
as well as new roads, trash basins, and financial support building a public transport terminal, mosque, and a traditional marketplace
on composting and making organic fertiliser from invasive aquatic plants – providing free fertilisers to farmers to maintain healthy ecosystems
reduced on average annually, contributing to climate change mitigation
in the project area, as part of a dedicated programme to support a healthy, natural ecosystem
This project addresses issues in rural Sumatra such as poor electricity access and the lack of quality employment opportunities – as well as fostering sustainable economic development. The Musi River Hydro plant has created quality jobs and upskilling opportunities for locals in what has been traditionally a farming community. A portion of project revenue is reinvested in the local community, building an orphanage, constructing new roads, bridges, and a traditional marketplace – giving local farmers better access to their rice paddies and the opportunity to pursue additional income. A reforestation program has also been established in the surrounding catchment area to safeguard the natural landscape.
