The power generation landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with renewable and low-carbon energy sources taking center stage. The transition is driven by government mandates, technological innovation, and a growing demand for sustainable energy solutions. Companies like deugro are at the forefront of this transformation, adapting to new project locations, evolving equipment specifications, and complex logistical challenges that come with the transition.
Historically, coal-fired power plants were the backbone of global energy production. However, with Europe aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and China targeting 2060, the reliance on coal is steadily diminishing. Europe currently operates around 270 coal plants, while China has over 1,000, both of which will be phased out over the coming decades. As energy consumption continues to rise—projected to grow by 20% between 2020 and 2040—developing economies will drive much of this demand, while OECD nations are expected to see a decline due to energy efficiency improvements.
A mix of renewables and low-carbon non-renewables is critical to meeting this demand. Yet, renewables are inherently intermittent—dependent on sunlight and wind—making a stable energy supply challenging. As a result, gas-fired power plants, combined-cycle systems, and peaking plants are set to play an increasingly vital role. These facilities provide flexibility by ramping up quickly to meet sudden surges in demand, ensuring grid stability.
Energy storage technology is also evolving rapidly, revolutionizing how electricity is stored and distributed. This advancement reduces reliance on real-time power generation and supports the integration of renewables into the grid. Decentralized power production is becoming more prevalent, with interconnectors enabling power flow between regions to balance supply and demand effectively.
Peaking power plants and grid stabilizers are emerging as crucial solutions, especially in regions like Europe, North America, and Australia, where peak demand can strain existing infrastructure. These plants can achieve full power within minutes, a critical feature in maintaining a stable energy grid. Meanwhile, fast-track project schedules present additional logistical challenges, requiring swift planning for permits, bridge assessments, and the transportation of oversized equipment.
Regions such as South America, the Far East, and Southeast Asia continue to see large-scale power projects, often replacing aging coal plants with modern, efficient alternatives. In contrast, Europe and North America are focusing on brownfield upgrades—converting coal plants to gas or enhancing existing gas-fired facilities to align with the latest efficiency standards. These changes introduce logistical complexities, particularly in space-constrained power plant sites, where early involvement of experienced project freight forwarders is crucial to success.
For instance, in the Jawa-1 Power Plant Project, deugro managed the transportation of approximately 80,000 freight tons of cargo, including two 435-metric-ton gas turbines and two 460-metric-ton generator stators. The cargo originated from multiple locations worldwide, with one gas turbine traveling over 8,550 nautical miles from Antwerp through the Suez Canal to Indonesia.
Navigating the logistical hurdles, deugro implemented a direct discharge system at the Port of Tanjung Priok, transferring oversized components directly onto barges for onward transport. This strategy minimized handling, reduced costs, and mitigated risks associated with double-handling operations. The transport route presented additional challenges, requiring the movement of heavy cargo through narrow village roads with minimal maneuvering space. Detailed route surveys and precise planning were key to ensuring the safe delivery of components to the construction site.
The Jawa-1 Power Plant, with a capacity of 1,760 MW, is expected to power approximately 4.3 million Indonesian homes. Utilizing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology, the plant enhances energy efficiency by capturing waste heat from gas turbines to generate additional electricity. This approach significantly reduces emissions compared to older coal plants and supports Indonesia’s goal of achieving 100% electrification by 2024.
As one of the largest gas-fired power plants in Southeast Asia, Jawa-1 exemplifies the industry’s shift towards cleaner energy solutions. It highlights how advanced technology and strategic logistics can facilitate the transition to a low-carbon future, ensuring reliable power while meeting ambitious sustainability targets.
