4900MW geothermal power to add to national grid during 2013-2015

Geothermal power plants with a combined capacity of 4,900 MW are expected to start operation in 2013-2015, Investor Daily reported on Monday.

The geothermal power plant projects are part of the second stage 10,000 MW fast track electricity development program planned by the government.

Director General of Electricity Jarman was optimistic that the problems encountered during the first stage 10,000 MW fast track program would not emerge in the second stage program because of better management. Therefore, he is confident that some of the projects can already begin operation next year.

One of them is the Patuha 1 geothermal power plant project with a capacity of 60 MW, which is expected to begin operation in the first semester of 2013, Jarman said.

The project, developed by PT Geodipa Energy, will have to undergo commissioning and certification process first before it can start supplying the electricity to the national grid, he added.(*)