What is the story about?
What's Happening?
PT SKS Listrik Kalimantan has been recognized at the Indonesia Technology Excellence Awards 2025 for its automation project in the energy sector. The company received an accolade in the Automation - Energy category for its initiative designed to prevent blackouts and major grid disturbances. The project integrated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) with a Distributed Control System (DCS) to automatically trigger house load mode and fast cut-back. This automation capability was proven during multiple severe grid disturbances caused by lightning strikes and vegetation, where the power plant survived without tripping. Between 2022 and 2023, the system endured eight major events, maintaining operations throughout, with the longest house load duration reaching 74 minutes.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of PT SKS Listrik Kalimantan's automation project highlights the importance of technological innovation in enhancing energy resilience. The project reduced the risk of forced outages, safeguarded the electricity supply, and cut fuel oil consumption that would otherwise have been required during lengthy restarts. The house load and fast cut-back mechanisms kept power plants operational whilst transmission lines recovered, demonstrating the effectiveness of automation in maintaining grid stability. The success of this project has gained attention beyond Indonesia, with presentations at international conferences and publications in IEEE papers, contributing to discussions on grid stability and automation.
What's Next?
The success of PT SKS Listrik Kalimantan's automation project serves as a benchmark for other plants in the region, showcasing the potential of automation to enhance energy resilience and prevent blackouts. The company's strategy could be adopted by other energy providers facing similar challenges, particularly in regions with vulnerable grid systems. The recognition at the Indonesia Technology Excellence Awards may encourage further investment in automation technologies and inspire other companies to pursue innovative solutions for energy management.
Beyond the Headlines
The automation project by PT SKS Listrik Kalimantan not only addresses immediate grid stability concerns but also contributes to broader discussions on energy resilience and technological innovation. The integration of SCADA and DCS systems represents a significant advancement in energy management, offering a model for other regions facing similar challenges. The project's success underscores the importance of investing in automation technologies to safeguard electricity supply and enhance operational efficiency, particularly in areas prone to grid disturbances.
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