BISNISREAL.COM, Kolaka – In a strategic move to boost mineral downstreaming efforts, PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (ANTAM) has joined forces with PT PLN (Persero) to ensure a robust and sustainable energy supply for its ferronickel smelter located in the Pomalaa District, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. This collaboration will see PLN deliver 150 Megavolt Ampere (MVA) of electricity to ANTAM’s smelter, paving the way for an operational shift toward cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy sources.
The agreement aligns with ANTAM’s broader commitment to sustainable practices and supports Indonesia’s national goals for reducing carbon emissions. By moving away from traditional fossil fuels and adopting a more eco-conscious power source, ANTAM’s smelter operations can become more energy-efficient and reduce their carbon footprint.
The Ferronickel Smelter, managed by ANTAM’s Kolaka Nickel Mining Business Unit, is a pivotal facility within Indonesia’s mineral processing infrastructure. With an annual production capacity of 27,000 tons of nickel in ferronickel (TNi), the smelter plays a significant role in meeting both domestic and international market demands. This increased energy supply will enable the facility to achieve optimal efficiency, supporting high productivity while enhancing environmental stewardship.
Nico Kanter, President Director of ANTAM, emphasized the importance of this partnership with PLN, highlighting the operational benefits and the alignment with national carbon reduction objectives. “Our collaboration with PLN allows us to optimize operations and reinforces ANTAM’s efforts to shift towards greener, sustainable technologies. It’s a concrete step in leveraging synergy among state-owned enterprises and promotes the use of cleaner energy sources for our downstream processes,” he stated.
Additionally, the partnership will facilitate access to renewable energy sources. ANTAM plans to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), starting with a targeted 112,940 REC units in 2025, equivalent to 112.9 Megawatt Hours (MWh) per year. This initiative is expected to accelerate ANTAM’s shift to renewable energy, enabling the Kolaka smelter to operate on cleaner energy and contribute to the company’s sustainability goals.
On behalf of PLN, President Director Darmawan Prasodjo noted the company’s commitment to ensuring the electricity needs of critical industrial projects, including those supporting Indonesia’s mineral downstreaming strategy. “The smelter industry requires reliable and substantial power, and PLN is prepared to meet these demands by providing high-quality, affordable electricity. Our services are tailored to support the industrial sector with innovative, eco-friendly solutions,” Darmawan affirmed.
PLN plans to supply ANTAM’s power needs through its South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, and West Sulawesi (“Sulselrabar”) Distribution Unit, which boasts one of the highest renewable energy generation rates in the country at 45.78%. This availability of green energy further enhances the environmental benefits of the project and reinforces both companies’ dedication to a sustainable future.
Beyond benefiting both ANTAM and PLN, this partnership is set to deliver economic advantages at both local and national levels. By contributing to the government’s push for mineral processing and downstreaming, ANTAM’s Kolaka smelter is expected to generate a multiplier effect that spurs investment in both the industrial and renewable energy sectors.
Through this collaboration, ANTAM strengthens its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s economic growth in the mineral sector while advancing its contributions to the global energy transition toward sustainable, green practices.
