Analyzing the Impact of Mining Equipment Electrification on Energy Security in Indonesia's Coal Mining Sector: A Strategic and Economic Assessment

Abstract

Heavy equipment electrification offers significant potential to reduce the coal mining sector’s dependence on diesel fuel. However, its feasibility hinges on production demands, energy costs, infrastructure readiness, and technology supply chains. This study evaluates the strategic and economic impacts of heavy equipment electrification on Indonesia's coal mining energy security. Using case studies, coal hauling was modeled using the electric SANY SYZ445C-8LRBEVR against diesel counterparts under a national baseline scenario (700 Mt/year production, 30 km haulage, and 40-tonne payload). A secondary comparison evaluated overburden transport using the hybrid SANY SRT100S against the conventional Komatsu HD785-7. At a 2.5-hour cycle time, annual energy demands reach 2.10 TWh for electric hauling versus 700 million liters of diesel, yielding estimated energy costs of USD 181.6 million and USD 1.146 billion, respectively. Sensitivity remains high toward cycle time, energy prices, payload, and utilization rates. For overburden transport, the hybrid SRT100S yields over 15% fuel savings. While electrification enhances energy security via diversification, national-level viability depends on grid reliability, charging infrastructure, local maintenance capabilities, and supply chain governance. A phased, duty-cycle-based adoption strategy supported by standard infrastructure and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) evaluation is recommended.