Trenggalek Regency Government Leads East Java's Clean Energy Adoption with REC Certification

The Trenggalek Regency Government has made history as the first regional government in East Java to embrace clean energy through the adoption of Renewable Energy Certificates (REC). This significant milestone follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PT PLN (Persero) for the Green Energy as a Service (GEAS), committing to utilize 200 REC units equivalent to 200-megawatt hours (MWh).

The MoU ceremony, held during the 2024 Indonesian Autonomous Girls (POI) Grand Final series at Tebing Kapuh, Trenggalek, saw the participation of Trenggalek Regent Mochamad Nur Arifin and PT PLN’s Customer Service Implementation Unit (UP3) Ponorogo Manager Suzana Zein.

Regent Mochamad Nur Arifin emphasized the collaboration’s role in reducing carbon emissions and advancing renewable energy (EBT) adoption. He highlighted the district government’s dedication to supporting Indonesia’s energy transition goals, aiming for Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060 or sooner. The REC will initially power the Trenggalek Regent’s office area.

“We are honored and grateful for this collaboration. This certificate signifies our commitment to promoting renewable energy usage in Trenggalek, and I extend an invitation to other regional leaders to join us,” said Regent Mochamad.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo praised the REC as a transparent and globally recognized mechanism for acknowledging EBT usage. Each REC certifies that every megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity consumed originates from a renewable energy source.

“We commend the Trenggalek Regency Government for pioneering REC adoption among regional governments in Indonesia. This partnership is pivotal in our journey towards achieving NZE by 2060. PLN remains committed to delivering premium green electricity services through REC,” explained Darmawan.

Agus Kuswardoyo, General Manager of PLN East Java Distribution Main Unit (UID), highlighted that East Java currently hosts 48 REC customers, primarily industrial users, with over 1,060,896 units issued, equivalent to 1,060 gigawatt hours (GWh). He expressed optimism that Trenggalek’s initiative would inspire more regional governments and communities to adopt environmentally friendly energy solutions.

“This collaboration exemplifies the concerted effort in Indonesia’s energy transition agenda. REC certificates demonstrate the viability of renewable energy for a sustainable future,” concluded Agus.

The Trenggalek Regency Government’s adoption of REC marks a significant stride towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape in East Java.