Domestic coal consumption in 2017 seen higher than initial target

The country?s domestic coal consumption next year is expected to be higher than the initial estimate of the government on higher demand from power plants, Kontan reported on Tuesday.

The paper quoted Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Coal Chief, AgungPribadi as saying that domestic coal consumption in 2017 is estimated to reach 133.61 million tons, or 3.19 percent higher than the initial estimate of 121 million tons as set in the government?s 2015-2019 National Medium Term Development Plan (or RPJMN).

He said that coal consumption by power plants next year is projected to reach 103 million tons, while cement plants at 11.83 million tons.

Domestic coal consumption this year, however, is expected to only reach 106.63 million tons, compared to the target of 111 million tons.

Hendra Sinadia, Executive Director of the Indonesia Coal Mining Association, however, doubted the 2017 coal consumption projection as it would represent a 50 percent jump from last year?s. (*)