Indonesia's state utility PT PLN's power plants and its independent power producers (IPPs) will require around 173.83 million tonnes of coal in 2027, according to PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EIP).

Acting President Director Rakhmad Dewanto said at the Minerba Convex 2026 event on November 3 that PLN plants need about 83.84 million tonnes while independent power producers need about 75.99 million tonnes, with the remaining volume attributed to other requirements. Among this, medium-CV coal accounts for around 89 million tonnes and low-CV coal 76 million tonnes.

Within PLN's own requirements, medium-CV coal makes up 51.6 million tonnes, low-CV coal 37.72 million tonnes and high-CV coal about 8.51 million tonnes. IPP needs comprise 37.54 million tonnes of medium-CV coal and 38.45 million tonnes of low-CV coal.

"This means that from our generator design, 50% to 60% is medium-CV coal," Rakhmad said, adding that the remainder is a smaller proportion.

He noted that Indonesia holds reserves of about 4.54 billion tonnes of medium-CV coal and 3.4 billion tonnes of high-CV coal, with low-CV coal dominating the rest. Low-CV reserves exceed the medium-CV volumes generators require, prompting efforts to adjust plant specifications and reduce demand for higher-calorific coal.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry previously put PLN's annual coal demand at 152-154 million tonnes. Director General of Minerals and Coal Tri Winarno said the government has assigned mining companies to supply 212 million tonnes for domestic power needs to ensure adequate and sustainable supply.

The directorate general said the ministry will continue to coordinate with PLN EPI and miners to ensure deliveries are timely, of the correct volume and meet plant specifications, with accelerated contract completion seen as necessary to meet requirements in the second half of 2026.