TLDRs;
- PLN Indonesia partners with Huawei to trial AI for smarter operations.
- AI will enhance plant safety, HSSE systems, and cybersecurity integration.
- Previous AI performance claims remain unverified at thermal power plants.
- AI study may create new contracts for vendors and technology integrators
PLN Indonesia Power, the nation’s state-owned electricity generator, has partnered with Huawei to explore artificial intelligence (AI) solutions aimed at improving operations at the PLTU Banten 3 Lontar facility.
The 4Ă—315 MW thermal power plant will serve as the testing ground for AI applications designed to enhance inspections, optimize safety, and strengthen digital infrastructure.
The collaboration involves a comprehensive joint study that will evaluate the technical, business, safety, legal, and environmental aspects of integrating AI technologies into the plant’s daily operations.
While no pilot project has yet been confirmed, the study represents a significant step in PLN Indonesia Power’s ongoing efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure.
Focus on Safety and Digital Integration
A key aspect of the initiative is the reinforcement of health, safety, security, and environmental (HSSE) measures at the plant. AI tools are expected to enable intelligent inspections, reduce human error, and monitor systems more efficiently than traditional methods.
Additionally, the study will explore IT integration and cybersecurity enhancements. By leveraging AI for both operational technology (OT) and information technology systems, PLN hopes to create a more resilient plant infrastructure.
Huawei’s AI platform reportedly supports wireless technologies such as Wi‑Fi 6, 5G, radio-frequency identification (RFID), and ultra-wideband (UWB), enabling advanced connectivity for automated systems and real-time monitoring.
Efficiency Gains Remain Unverified
Although Huawei has promoted its AI solutions as capable of reducing construction costs by up to 40% and dramatically cutting inspection times, these figures largely come from other projects, such as transmission line inspections in Shenzhen. At the PLTU Banten 3 Lontar site, no performance data has been published, and the current study carries no binding financial or timeline commitments.
Experts caution that while AI holds potential for operational efficiency, evidence from thermal power plants like PLTU Banten 3 Lontar is still limited. The study’s primary aim is to evaluate feasibility across multiple dimensions rather than deliver immediate results.
Opportunities for Vendors and Integrators
Beyond the study, PLN Indonesia Power’s broader AI strategy may open opportunities for external vendors. Companies specializing in inspection drones, OT cybersecurity, industrial wireless systems, and AI-based monitoring could benefit from upcoming procurement initiatives. PLN’s e-procurement portal will likely host requests for proposals (RFPs) tied to AI inspections, HSSE systems, and cybersecurity solutions as the program expands.
The collaboration also aligns with Indonesia’s national energy transition goals, as digital solutions and smarter plant management could help reduce operational risks and support the country’s broader push toward cleaner, more efficient energy generation.
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