West Sumatra Leading Indonesia in Renewable Energy Potential

KBRN, Padang: West Sumatra has emerged as a national leader in the shift to clean power, boasting the highest New and Renewable Energy (NRE) potential in Indonesia, a claim that is set to redefine the province’s economic future.

This strategic advantage was highlighted by the Chairperson of the Indonesian Electrical Power Society (MKI) West Sumatra Chapter, Insanul Kamil, during a statement in Padang on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Kamil revealed that the province’s sheer capacity for green power places it in a league of its own. “The NRE potential in West Sumatra reaches 52 percent,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

He emphasized that no other province in the country, besides West Sumatra, currently possesses an NRE potential exceeding 50 percent. Recognizing this unique position, the MKI is committed to fostering cross-sector collaboration and public education to ensure greater awareness regarding the critical need for green energy development.

Kamil expressed optimism that this massive potential, coupled with comprehensive stakeholder support, would serve as the essential launching pad for West Sumatra to achieve a sustainable and clean energy future. He envisioned the province as a beacon for the national energy transition.

"West Sumatra can become a national role model on the issue of green energy. If we talk about renewable energy investment in Indonesia, the model is in West Sumatra."

The potential for NRE is intrinsically linked to the province's economic ambitions. West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi underscored that investment is a critical factor in driving the province’s economic growth, including maximizing the untapped NRE resources.

According to the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for West Sumatra 2020–2029, the regional economic growth target is set at an ambitious 7.3 percent.

Governor Mahyeldi provided the scale of the financial commitment required to reach this goal. “To achieve that, a minimum investment of IDR 120 trillion (approximately USD 7.27 billion) is needed until 2029. This is a critical momentum to build West Sumatra’s green energy sector.”

The Governor reassured potential investors that the provincial administration is dedicated to facilitating capital injection in the region. This commitment includes the implementation of favorable regional regulations and a dedicated incentive scheme designed to support energy investment and ensure West Sumatra fully capitalizes on its unparalleled renewable energy wealth. ***