The energy crisis is now an increasingly pressing global challenge, especially as climate change exacerbates the instability of energy supplies and increases the impact on the environment.

Climate change occurs due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases caused by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels. The relationship
between the two crises shows that switching to renewable energy is not only important for reducing emissions, but also for strengthening global energy security.

Solutions such as micro-hydro provide a reliable clean energy alternative, especially in remote areas, while helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Through, the Climate Impact Innovations Challenge (CIIC) is the largest climate technology innovation competition in Indonesia. Building on its success in 2023 and 2024, CIIC continues to provide a platform for technology innovators to showcase their sustainable innovations in addressing ecological challenges and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Therefore, CIIC provides innovative solutions that support the adoption of renewable energy, sustainable mobility systems, and efficient use of resources.

What is Microhydro and Why is it Important?

Micro-hydro power plants are small-scale power plants with capacities ranging from 5 kW to 1 MW per unit. The main requirements for this power plant are the presence of water flow and elevation differences.

Micro-hydro Power Plants (PLTMH) are one of the renewable energy sources that can be categorized as clean energy because they have minimal impact on the environment. In terms of technology, PLTMH is the choice because it has a simple construction, is easy to operate, and is relatively easy to maintain with sufficient availability of spare parts. In principle, PLTMH utilizes differences in height and water discharge per second from flows such as irrigation channels, rivers, or waterfalls.

The basic principle of how a micro hydro power plant works is to convert potential energy from water into electrical energy, although the form of the generator can vary.

One important aspect that needs to be considered is the construction of a dam as a stable source of water supply, equipped with water gates to regulate the flow and filters to prevent the entry of garbage. This dam is ideally built on a riverbed that is safe from the risk of flooding and has a stable structure. The working process of a micro hydro power plant focuses on the utilization of potential water energy (head), which is energy that comes from water at a certain height that flows downward due to gravity.

This energy is then converted into kinetic energy that is directed to the turbine. The turbine is equipped with a casing to direct the flow of water to a strong propeller, which is connected to two parallel steel discs to keep the system balanced.

Furthermore, the turbine shaft will rotate due to the change in kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy through the speed of the water flow, and this rotation is channeled to the generator through the clutch as a transmission medium. The generator then converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy. After passing through the electric current control system, this electrical energy is distributed to people's homes and used for various other needs.

Micro-hydro Power Plants (PLTMH) are one of the alternative renewable energy sources that offer positive benefits, both in terms of the environment, economy, and social aspects. Here are some of the main benefits that can be obtained from PLTMH:

First, renewable and environmentally friendly energy, namely PLTMH uses energy from water flows that can be naturally renewed. As long as the water source is maintained, this flow will continue to be available to generate electricity.

In addition, PLTMH does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or hazardous waste, thus contributing to reducing adverse environmental impacts. Second, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, namely by utilizing water resources as energy generators, PLTMH plays a role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels which are the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

This contribution supports global efforts to address climate change and reduce the impact of global warming.

Third, the stability of energy supply, namely PLTMH offers a stable energy supply because the water flow is generally consistent and reliable. Unlike solar or wind energy which depend on weather conditions, PLTMH is able to generate electricity sustainably as long as the water source remains available.

And fourth, increasing access to electricity in remote areas, namely PLTMH is an effective solution for providing electricity in remote or interior areas that have not been reached by conventional electricity networks.

By utilizing the potential of locally available water, PLTMH helps expand community access to electricity, which can ultimately improve living standards and encourage economic growth at the local level.

Revitalization as a Solution: Connecting Neglected Potential

In the context of Micro Hydro Power Plants (PLTMH), revitalization means an effort to reactivate or improve the performance of existing power plants that are not running optimally or even not operating. The purpose of this process is to maximize the use of renewable energy sources, such as water flow, to support the provision of electricity in areas that have not been reached by the main electricity network.

The following are a number of examples of Micro Hydro Power Plant (PLTMH) projects in Indonesia that have been successfully revitalized and provided real benefits to the community.

1. Micro Hydro Power Plant in Tepian Terap Village, East Kutai, East Kalimantan

Tepian Terap Village previously faced obstacles in accessing electricity and clean water. After revitalizing the previously non-functioning PLTMH, the village now has a 54 kW power plant that serves approximately 200 families.

This project was funded through Village Funds of IDR 225 million, plus funding support of IDR 528 million from the district government and the private sector. Management of this facility is under the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) Jiwata Energy, which also provides free clean water services to the community.

2. Liki Water and New Liki Water Micro Hydro Power Plant, Merangin, Jambi

The micro hydro power plant in Air Liki and Air Liki Baru villages experienced damage to components such as generators and turbines, which disrupted the electricity supply.

Revitalization efforts include the construction of permanent dams and repairs to penstock pipes, generators, control panels, and ballast loads. After the repair process was completed, residents were able to enjoy normal electricity flow again, although with a limited operational schedule to anticipate the impact of the dry season.

3. Oksibil Micro Hydro Power Plant, Bintang Mountains, Papua

The revitalization of the 1 MW PLTMH in Oksibil was carried out to replace the use of Diesel Power Plants (PLTD) which were previously relied on. This project is part of the dieselization initiative carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to encourage the use of New and Renewable Energy (EBT).

Although construction was completed in 2020, operationalization was delayed because the power evacuation network which is the responsibility of the local government has not been built.

In the development of Micro-Hydro Power Plants (MHP) in Indonesia, the success and sustainability of the project depend heavily on the important role of technology, local community involvement, and collaboration between the private sector and government. Technological developments have encouraged the creation of more efficient and environmentally friendly MHPs.

For example, the use of domestically made turbines and control systems increases the availability of spare parts and facilitates the maintenance process. The technology also allows MHPs to provide a stable electricity supply in rural areas, thereby improving the quality of life and encouraging economic growth in local communities.

The active role of local communities in the development and management of MHPs also increases a sense of ownership and responsibility for the project. This involvement not only ensures operational continuity but also empowers communities through training and capacity building.

For example, in Andung Biru Village, Probolinggo, residents have successfully managed energy resources independently, which underscores the importance
of innovation and sustainability in community resource management.

Collaboration between the private sector and government plays a vital role in the funding and development of MHP projects. Private investment provides the technical expertise and capital needed, while government support through regulations and incentives creates supportive conditions for investment.

For example, this collaboration has succeeded in expanding access to electricity in rural areas, accelerating infrastructure development, and driving economic growth at the local level.

Micro-hydro revitalization is not just a technical measure to repair or reactivate existing power plants, but rather an important strategy in facing future energy challenges.

By sustainably utilizing local water resources, this revitalization supports the transition to clean energy, increases energy security at the community level, and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. Therefore, revitalized micro-hydro is not only an alternative energy solution, but also a crucial basis for inclusive, environmentally friendly, and sustainable energy development.