Indonesia stands on the brink of an remarkable renewable energy transformation, and new research is lighting the way forward. A collaborative Danish-Indonesian research team has identified practical solutions to help the Southeast Asian nation tap into what experts estimate could be between 3,300 GW to 20,000 GW of solar energy potential—a truly staggering resource waiting to be unleashed.

The key to unlocking this clean energy treasure lies in updating the country's grid code standards, according to lead researcher Majid Ali. Rather than viewing this as merely a challenge, Ali frames it as an exciting opportunity for foundational progress. "Introducing and enforcing grid codes would represent a foundational and positive step," he explains, noting that this should be part of a broader systemic transformation encompassing grid investment, regulatory reform, and institutional strengthening.

The research team has developed comprehensive recommendations that draw from international best practices, particularly those successfully implemented in Denmark and standards developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Their proposed framework includes innovative solutions like reactive power compensation mechanisms, real-time data exchange systems, and smart technologies that will enable Indonesia's grid to gracefully handle increasing amounts of renewable energy without compromising reliability.

What makes this research particularly encouraging is its practical approach. The team conducted a detailed case study of Lombok Island's power system, which currently manages 265 MW of demand. This real-world application demonstrates how the proposed standards can work in actual Indonesian conditions, providing a proven blueprint that can be scaled across the archipelago.

Indonesia's ambitions are inspiring. The National Energy Policy aims to reach an impressive 108.7 GW of solar capacity by 2060, and the government has already launched an exciting initiative to deploy 100 GW of solar power. This comprehensive plan includes 80 GW of community-scale solar minigrids with storage—empowering local areas with energy independence—alongside 20 GW of centralized solar power plants.

The progress is already visible. The country's cumulative solar capacity surpassed 700 MW in August 2024, and momentum is building. This collaborative research—bringing together experts from Denmark's prestigious Aalborg University, Indonesia's national power utility PT PLN, and local academic institutions—exemplifies the spirit of international cooperation driving the global clean energy transition.

The proposed technical improvements read like a wish list for grid modernization: voltage ride-through capabilities ensuring continuous operation during disturbances, smart metering and energy management systems, demand-side management tools, and protection systems that allow grid sections to operate independently when needed. These aren't just technical specifications; they're the building blocks of a resilient, flexible, and sustainable energy future.

As countries worldwide race to combat climate change and secure energy independence, Indonesia's proactive approach offers hope and inspiration. With its extraordinary solar resources, growing technical expertise, and clear policy direction, the nation is positioning itself to become a renewable energy leader in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The research, published in Renewable Energy Focus, represents more than academic study—it's a roadmap to a brighter, cleaner future for Indonesia's 275 million people, demonstrating that with the right foundations, ambitious clean energy goals aren't just achievable; they're within reach.