Left to right: Eddie Rich, CEO IHA, Parulian Noviandris, Executive Vice President of Generation Strategic Planning, PT PLN (Persero), Abdul Malik Sadat, Head of Certification and Standardization, INAHA, Karen Atkinson, Global Executive Director – Dams & Hydropower, SMEC, Malcolm Turnbull, President IHA, Nick Wright, Senior Vice President Business Development, Sarawak Energy, Antony Lesmana, President Director, PT Kayan Hydropower Nusantara (KHN), Gerhard Enzenhofer, Director of Operations, Andritz Hydro Indonesia.

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has launched the 2024 World Hydropower Outlook in Southeast Asia, coinciding with the inauguration of its new regional office in Jakarta. The office was opened in partnership with the Indonesia Hydropower Association (INAHA) and Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company, PLN.

The World Hydropower Outlook, an annual IHA report, monitors global hydropower development progress in relation to net zero goals. It calls for “More, Better, Faster” hydropower projects, delivered to high sustainability standards with streamlined permitting processes.

Key findings from the report in Southeast Asia include:

  • Indonesia plans to increase hydropower capacity from 6.7 GW to 72 GW by 2070.
  • The Philippines aims for 35% renewable energy by 2030, with major hydropower projects in development.
  • Thailand is targeting a 30% renewable mix by 2037, including 3 GW of hydropower and a hydro-floating solar hybrid project.
  • Malaysia is developing a 50 MW floating solar unit on a hydropower reservoir.
  • Vietnam’s hydropower capacity is projected to reach 29.35 GW by 2030.

Regional hub

The new IHA office in Jakarta will serve as a regional hub for collaboration. It will facilitate knowledge-sharing and supporting efforts to accelerate hydropower development. The office’s team has already begun discussions to support the COP28 goal of tripling renewable energy by 2030.

At the office’s opening ceremony, IHA President and former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull highlighted Indonesia’s leadership in renewable energy. He said: “Indonesia has set ambitious targets for hydropower capacity by 2070 and has proven to be a renewables leader in the region. The opening of the IHA Southeast Asia office underlines this important work, which will need to continue if we are to reach our goals.”

INAHA Chairman Adi Lumakso said: “INAHA is excited to work with IHA to continue the legacy for sustainable hydropower in Southeast Asia. Indonesia has set key goals for hydropower development, and we are ready to play our role in achieving them.”

Darmawan Prasodjo, President Director of PLN, expressed pride in the partnership, saying: “This collaboration between PLN, the government of Indonesia, and IHA gives us hope that we’re not facing climate change alone. The only way to move forward is through collaboration.”