Crompton Prima starts construction RI?s first switchgear plant

PT Crompton Prima Switchgear Indonesia (CPSI) has started the construction of Indonesia?s first switchgear production facility with a ground-breaking ceremony on Monday.

CPSI is a joint venture between PT Prima Layanan Nasional Enjiniring, a subsidiary of state-owned electricity firm PT PLN, and CG International Holdings Singapore Pte Ltd, a unit of India?s Crompton Greaves Ltd (CG).

The US$22.5 million high voltage and extra high voltage switchgear plant, located at the Cikande Modern industrial estate in Serang, Banten, is expected to start commercial operation in the second quarter of next year with annual production of 1,000 units of SF-6 gas circuit breakers, 2,000 units of lightning arresters, and 4,000 units of instrument transformers, at voltage level of 70 kV to 500 kV.

PLN Director Nasri Sebayang said that the switchgear plant will help reduce import, and exchange risk fluctuation, and increase local content in the country?s power projects.

Srinivasan M.S., President Director of CPSI said Indonesia offers huge market potential for the company. He pointed out that total investment for transmission projects in Indonesia is projected at $19.4 billion in the period of 2013-2022.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak