SESNA Leads Indonesia's Nickel Industry Transformation with Renewable Energy Smelter Project

Published: Aug 18, 2025 00:46

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PT Sumber Energi Surya Nusantara (SESNA) is spearheading Indonesia’s nickel industry transformation by developing the country’s largest renewable-energy-based smelter project through a 300 MWp solar power plant (PLTS) to decarbonize nickel smelting in Morowali, Central Sulawesi. CEO Rico Syah Alam said that the initiative aims to cut emissions from coal-powered smelters, with a 255 MWp ground-mounted PLTS and 80 MWh battery storage set to begin construction in September 2025, alongside rooftop solar projects for HPAL and RKEF facilities. SESNA’s projects, including ongoing expansions at Hengjaya Mineralindo, are designed to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions, meet ESG standards, and comply with global certification schemes like IRMA and The Nickel Mark. With 63% of RKEF and 42% of HPAL emissions currently coal-based, SESNA warns Indonesia risks losing competitiveness unless it shifts to clean energy, as major EV and battery makers such as Tesla, Apple, and LG increasingly demand transparent, renewable-powered supply chains.

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