PLN East Java Leverages VR for Advanced Renewable Energy Plant Monitoring

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The PLN Distribution Main Unit (UID) in East Java uses virtual reality (VR) technology to monitor renewable energy (EBT) power plants, eliminating the need for physical presence at the location. This technology allows for the visual and interactive monitoring of renewable energy power plants. General Manager of PLN UID East Java, Ahmad Mustaqir, stated that this technology is called "the Virtual Journey to Green Power." This innovation is part of PLN's effort to accelerate energy transition and raise public awareness of environmentally friendly energy sources. "Through digital systems, power plants can be monitored, controlled, evaluated, and maintained from a centralized location," said General Manager of PLN UID East Java, Ahmad Mustaqir, in a statement on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Mustaqir mentioned that several renewable energy power plants in East Java can be monitored using this technology, such as the Benowo Waste-to-Energy Power Plant (PLTSa) in Surabaya, the Ijen Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in Bondowoso, and the Microhydro Power Plant (PLTMH) in several areas. He gave an example of monitoring the PLTSa Benowo through VR using special glasses and a screen. This technology can demonstrate the process of turning waste into electrical energy through the images displayed on the glasses, without requiring a physical presence at the location. "We can determine its capacity and virtually see how the Benowo PLTSa processes waste into electrical energy," Mustaqir said. Mustaqir also demonstrated the use of VR to monitor the Blawan Ijen PLTP. In the simulation, the geothermal production well area can be observed in detail. The technology also shows the process of absorbing geothermal heat in the form of steam from the reservoir or storage area. The steam is then channeled to the surface to drive the power plant's turbine. Not only for renewable energy, but this VR technology can also monitor all substation units in East Java, including personnel activities related to maintenance or operation. "So, if there is a disruption, we can quickly take corrective action in the field," Mustaqir explained. For information, the total capacity of EBT-based power plants in East Java reaches 293 Megawatts, equivalent to 3.5 percent of the total capacity of power plants still dominated by fossil fuel power plants such as PLTU. PLN ensures that the development of renewable energy power plants will continue to increase. One of the areas of concern is Madura. In 2027, PLN aims to ensure that all electrical installations on inhabited Madura islands can operate 24 hours a day by developing renewable energy power plants. Read: Pertamina NRE Partners with Chinese Firm on Renewable Energy Project