SIDRAP – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) of the Republic of Indonesia has asked Hasanuddin University (Unhas) to conduct a data-based study of wind energy potential in South Sulawesi. The study is considered important because wind characteristics differ from region to region and could support the development of renewable energy and regional power systems.
The request was made by the Director General of New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (Prof. Dr. Eng. Enita Listiani Dewi) during a field visit to the Sidrap Wind Power Plant (PLTB) in South Sulawesi. The visit was accompanied by the Vice Rector for Innovation and Business Management (Prof. Dr. Amir Ilyas, SH, MH), the Director of Business Management and Asset Optimization (Dr. Ir. M. Yahya Siradjuddin), and Unhas officials.
According to Prof. Enita, South Sulawesi has great wind energy potential. The region’s wind characteristics are also unique and can be used to support the power system, especially when hydropower production declines in the dry season.
“Because wind characteristics differ in every region, a specific study is needed. The involvement of universities such as Unhas is important for producing data-based studies on the characteristics of renewable energy in each region,” said Prof. Enita.
Based on development projections, Indonesia’s wind power generation capacity could reach about 1 gigawatt within the next 10 years.
“At present it is only 75 megawatts, one of which is at this site. I heard it will be expanded by an additional 70 megawatts. I hope it can be realized soon,” said Prof. Enita.
Unhas Vice Rector for Innovation and Business Management, Prof. Dr. Amir Ilyas, said South Sulawesi holds a strategic position as one of the regions with the greatest green energy potential in eastern Indonesia. Unhas views South Sulawesi’s renewable energy potential not only as a geographic advantage but also as a natural laboratory to drive innovation while accelerating the national energy transition.
“South Sulawesi is the green energy granary of eastern Indonesia. We have the best wind corridors at the Jeneponto and Sidrap wind power plants (PLTB), high solar intensity throughout the year, and massive hydro potential,” said Prof. Amir.
Unhas research is directed at the downstream application of appropriate technology. These include the development of Internet of Things (IoT)-based floating solar power plants (PLTS), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and the use of biomass from local agricultural waste.
Unhas Director of Business Management and Asset Optimization, Dr. Ir. M. Yahya Siradjuddin, added that Unhas is committed to strengthening research and the provision of scientific data to support renewable energy development.
“Through the Renewable Energy Laboratory at Unhas and research collaboration with global institutions, Unhas positions itself as a leading think tank,” Siradjuddin said.
Siradjuddin said Unhas will continue to play a role in providing scientific data, energy policy modeling, and feasibility studies to support strategic energy projects, particularly in eastern Indonesia.
The visit to the Sidrap PLTB in South Sulawesi is part of efforts to strengthen synergy between government and universities in optimizing renewable energy potential. The field visit took place on Friday, 11 September 2026. (*/ams)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.