EWC?s Sengkang gas power plant unit temporarily suspended

ASX-listed energy firm Energy World Corporation Limited (EWC) said Tuesday that a 60 MW gas turbine unit at its 195-MW Sengkang combined cycle power plant in South Sulawesi has been forced to stop operation.

The firm however did not specify the problems that caused it to suspend the operation of the power unit.

?Following a detailed inspection by specialist Siemens engineers, we have been advised today by Siemens they can complete the repairs necessary but that certain parts within the unit will need to be replaced. An engineering team from Siemens has been mobilised to carry out the required replacement of parts and action has been taken to urgently air freight these parts from Germany in order to return the unit to full commercial operation as quickly as possible,? the company said.

The 60 MW gas turbine is manufactured and assembles by Siemens in Germany.

The company said that the unit is expected to resume operation in mid or end December 2009.

The company announced on Nov. 18, 2008 that it formally commenced discussion with state owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to further expand the capacity of the power plant from 195 MW to 315 MW by adding a gas turbine and heat recovery steam generator.

EWC has 95 percent stake in Sengkang Power Plant. (denny)