Almost all human activities in this era of globalization are filled with electronic stuffs. Increasing sophisticated technology makes everyone try to meet their daily needs with various conveniences, supported by electricity sources. Do you know, Kawan Laminar, what types of power plants are there in the world?
First, Solar Power Plants (PLTS), come from solar energy (solar) which is obtained naturally and of course free of charge, so PLTS is quite familiar in Indonesia. PLTS is widely used because of the many advantages it offers, namely being environmentally friendly, reducing dependence on fossils, becoming a long-term property added value, flexible in terms of installation and technology development, and getting incentives and subsidies in the use of PLTS.
Second, Geothermal Power Plants (PLTP), come from geothermal energy that comes from the earth’s core and is stored in the form of water vapor or hot water below the ground surface. The advantages of PLTP are clean and renewable energy, stable availability at all times, minimal land use, and has great geothermal potential in Indonesia, especially in the regions of Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi. The Indonesian government supports the development of PLTP with several efforts, namely providing incentives, research and development, and collaborating with related private companies.
Third, Steam Power Plants (PLTU), are the most popular type of power plant used worldwide. Electricity is obtained from the combustion of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, or natural gas. PLTU adopts mature technology and its operation is relatively efficient and stable. Large capacity is an advantage in producing large amounts of electricity, making it suitable for meeting electricity needs for industry and cities.
Fourth, Hydroelectric Power Plants (PLTA), come from the kinetic energy of water flow so they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions. Water flow is more stable than energy sources such as the sun and wind, which allows PLTA to operate sustainably. Operating costs are low because they do not use fuel, and can be utilized in other sectors such as tourism, irrigation, and flood prevention.
Fifth, Gas Power Plant (PLTG), is a process of utilizing heat energy from burning natural gas. This heat energy is used to run a turbine connected to an electric generator. PLTG is more efficient in converting heat energy into electrical energy compared to PLTU (coal). In addition, PLTG also responds quickly to electricity production according to demand. Furthermore, burning natural gas produces much lower greenhouse gas emissions than PLTU.
Finally, Wind Power Plant (PLTB), comes from changing the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy, the wind that blows turns the wind turbine blades and is then converted into mechanical energy that drives the electric generator. Wind is also one of the sources of electricity whose energy is unlimited and does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. PLTB can be built in remote places, does not need cooling water and increases energy independence.
Thus, Kawan Laminar has learned about the various types of power plants used in the world, with a focus on the advantages of each. Solar power plants (PLTS), geothermal (PLTP), water (PLTA), gas (PLTG), and wind (PLTB) are renewable energy sources that are increasingly popular because they are environmentally friendly and sustainable. On the other hand, steam power plants (PLTU) that use fossil fuels are still the main choice because of their mature technology and large production capacity, but the government continues to strive to reduce the use of emissions and switch to using power plants with renewable energy for sustainable environmental health.