The Impact of ENSO Phenomena on Electricity Production at Mrica Hydroelectric Power Plant in Central Java (2013-2023)
Kevin Sahat Parsaulian (ab*), Muhammad Rais Abdillah (c), Lamona Irmudyawati Bernawis (d)

*sahatkevin[at]gmail.com
a) UID Jakarta Raya, PT PLN (Persero)
b) Earth Science Master Program, Faculty of Earth Science and Technology, ITB
c) Atmospheric Science Research Group, Faculty of Earth Science and Technology, ITB
d) Oceanography Research Group, Faculty of Earth Science and Technology, ITB

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on electricity production at the Mrica Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA Mrica) in Central Java from 2013 to 2023. ENSO is global climate phenomenon, influences rainfall and water flow in various regions, including Indonesia. Data on rainfall and water flow from the Serayu River were analyzed to determine how ENSO affects the operational efficiency of PLTA Mrica. The study reveals that strong El Nino events, such as those in 2015, significantly reduced water flow, leading to decreased electricity production. Conversely, the La Nina event in 2020 increased water flow, enhancing electricity production. The findings underscore the critical need for adaptive water resource management and continuous monitoring to optimize electricity generation at PLTA Mrica, particularly in the face of climate variability induced by ENSO. This research contributes to understanding the relationship between climate phenomena and hydroelectric power generation.

Keywords: ENSO, Hydroelectric Power Plant, Water Resource Management

Topic: Interdisciplinary Earth Science and Technology