Coal deliveries restore Pacitan power plant stock after supply concerns

Coal inventories at the 630-megawatt Pacitan coal-fired power plant in East Java have returned to safe levels after the arrival of about 70,000 tonnes of coal, easing concerns over fuel shortages that had reportedly reduced stockpiles to only two days of operation.

The replenishment follows reports earlier this week that tight national coal supplies had affected fuel deliveries to the plant, raising concerns about the security of electricity supply to the Java-Bali power system.

Risky Tri Listirta, Assistant Manager for Human Resources, General Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility at PLN Nusantara Power's Pacitan generation unit, said the shortage had been resolved following the arrival of fresh supplies.

"Coal stocks are now safe," Risky said on Sunday.

According to Risky, the additional coal is being delivered by four vessels. One vessel has completed or is undergoing unloading operations, while three others are en route to the plant.

"Total incoming coal supply is around 70,000 tonnes," he said.

The Pacitan plant uses medium- to low-rank coal and is one of the key generators supplying electricity to the Java-Bali grid.

Earlier, PLN Nusantara Power acknowledged that disruptions in national coal distribution had tightened inventories at the facility. The company said similar supply constraints had occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic but operations continued without major interruptions.

Risky said the company remains focused on maintaining plant reliability and ensuring generating units remain available to meet system requirements.

Editing by Alexander Ginting