Site Selection for Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) Based on the Largest Hydropower in Indonesia’s Five Main Islands

As Indonesia moves towards a renewable energy future, finding reliable storage solutions is crucial due to the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) stands out as a practical option, allowing excess energy to be stored when demand is low and used when it is high. This study focuses on identifying the best locations for PHES across Indonesia using geospatial analysis tools like Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). By evaluating factors such as rainfall patterns, terrain suitability, and infrastructure availability, the study identifies key locations that can support PHES development. The largest hydropower site from five biggest islands in Indonesia was selected for the analysis, namely Sigura-gura, Saguling, Riam Kanan, Larona, and Genyem. The GIS model result suggested the largest PHES system at Larona dam with 616.58 MWh stored energy and the smallest site is in Papua with zero suitability due to Genyem Hydropower run-of-river characteristic. However, based on the evaluating factors, the Sigura-gura dam is deemed as the most suitable site for PHES. The findings highlight the role of PHES in making Indonesia’s power grid more stable and efficient as it transitions to renewable energy.