Optimization of Biogas Power Plant and Photovoltaic Design for Voltage Drop Mitigation in the 20 kV Distribution Line of Feeder BTL05

Persistent and growing demand for electricity characterizes many regions in Indonesia, including areas situated far from main substations. The medium-voltage electricity network serving Suka Damai Village, for example, is located approximately 35 kilometers from the Batulicin Main Substation. This significant distance contributes to voltage drop along the medium-voltage network, adversely affecting daily life and hindering industrial development in the area. Voltage drop can lead to damage of electrical equipment given the voltage received is below the standard required by the equipment. A palm oil processing plant in Suka Damai Village operates a waste treatment facility with the potential to generate electricity and supplement the existing PLN (State Electricity Company) grid by utilizing it as a Biogas Power Plant which could substantially improve voltage stability in the region. However, the biogas power plant’s reliance on palm oil waste, the availability of which fluctuates daily, prevents continuous, full-capacity supply. This research investigates the most cost-effective investment strategy to mitigate voltage drop at this location. The study compares investment costs for ensuring a consistent green energy supply by supplementing biogas power plant [8] with a solar power plant. The integration of the solar plant is simulated to activate when the biogas power plant cannot operate at full capacity. This involves designing the power plants and medium-voltage network, and analyzing the operational impact on voltage drop using ETAP software. The research will deliver an operational and economic feasibility assessment based on three simulation scenarios involving both solar and biogas power plants. From these parameters, the most efficient distribution option will be identified to reduce voltage drop to below 10 percent, thereby enhancing network reliability and minimizing distribution losses.