South Tapanuli (ANTARA) – Amidst global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy, the Batang Toru Hydropower Plant (PLTA) stands as part of the solution for a clean energy future.
Located in South Tapanuli (Tapsel), North Sumatra, this 510 MW hydropower plant plays a strategic role in supporting the national energy transition toward clean energy independence.
Iqbal, the Environmental & Biodiversity Manager at PT North Sumatra Hydro Energy (NSHE), emphasized in a statement received on Thursday that the project’s sustainability relies heavily on ecosystem balance.
“Water is everything to us; without water, the hydropower plant cannot operate. The Batang Toru Hydropower Plant has a close relationship with the forest, as the forest provides environmental services that regulate the water cycle. Therefore, conservation activities—encompassing forest protection, preservation, and sustainable use—form the backbone of our operations,” said Iqbal.
He also emphasized that while every development activity carries risks, the company has applied the mitigation hierarchy principle by avoiding, minimizing, and restoring environmental impacts.
NSHE believes that renewable energy investment must go hand-in-hand with community economic empowerment. Consequently, during the development of the Batang Toru Hydropower Plant, NSHE has implemented various Community Development programs in collaboration with the South Tapanuli Regency Government.
“These programs cover three key areas: health, community capacity building, and local economic empowerment,” Iqbal stated.
Through this long-term partnership, he added, NSHE not only fulfills its corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations but also strengthens local economic resilience. This initiative aims to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem where renewable energy investment delivers direct benefits to the surrounding community. “Through a sustainable and inclusive approach, the Batang Toru Hydropower Plant is committed to becoming a clean energy model that not only contributes to national energy security but also preserves the environment and improves community well-being,” concluded Iqbal.
Source: ANTARA