Construction of Asahan I hydro power plant project begins

Construction of the long awaited Asahan I hydro power plant with a capacity of 2 x 90 MW in Pintu Pohan Meranti, Toba Samosir, North Sumatera, started on September 12, 2006, Investor Daily reported Wednesday.

PT Badjaradaya Sentranusa?s (PT BS) Manager for Technique Frans Wijaya said in Toba Samosir Monday that the Rp 2.2 trillion Asahan I hydropower plant project, built jointly by PT BS and China Huadian Corporation, was the first ever hydro power plant built by private firms in North Sumatera.

?The hydro power plant is expected to be completed and ready for operation by the end of 2009. The power project can help meet power supply need in North Sumatera now suffering power crisis especially in peak hours that reach 150 MW,? Frans told reporters in Toba Samosir .

Meanwhile, North Sumatera Governor Rudolf Pardede hailed the planned construction of Asahan I hydro power plant, saying that the project would potentially contribute to the economic growth in North Sumatra.

?They (investors) will not invest (in North Sumatera) until consistent supply of power is fully guaranteed and we are now facing a condition in which we often face rotating blackouts,? he said.

He explained that the Asahan I hydro power plant project will have a capacity of 2x90 MW per day or producing an energy output of around 1,175 GWh per year. (*)