Sustainability Strategy for Rural Electrification in Talang Dikun Hamlet of Ulubelu Area, Lampung Province, Indonesia

The operation of geothermal power plant in Ulubelu Area of Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province provides more clean energy to Lampung Province. Electricity generated by this power plant is directly converted to high voltage and delivered to the main substation via more than 50 km of 150 kV transmission line. On the other hand, local neighboring hamlets were unable to benefit from this because of the unavailability of distribution feeder from the grid. Owing to the availability of local hydro energy sources from running water, Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE), the operator of the geothermal wells and 2x55 MW geothermal power plant, initiated rural electrification for 60 households of Talang Dikun Hamlet, about 2 km to the power plant, by installing a pico-hydro and a microgrid through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in 2020. However, the lack of people readiness towards quality operation of the system resulted in incorrect operation and maintenance. This led to operational problems and frequent repairs of the generator in 2021. In 2022, PGE started a partnership with Universitas Lampung, especially the Department of Electrical Engineering (Unila DEE) to provide technical assistance. In 2024, further technical assistance for technology transfer through personnel training and anticipated control procedures for the operator is provided. This partnership improves the quality operation of the system and allows people of Talang Dikun Hamlet to implement further appropriate technology. This study analyzes governance, technological and business models of the management models and their impact on sustainability of the proposed tripartite partnership among PGE, Unila DEE, and local community or the beneficiaries.