EWC to start commercial ops of 2nd power plant unit Nov

ASX-listed energy firm Energy World Corporation (EWC) reported on Wednesday that its Sengkang Phase I 60-MW gas-fired power plant expansion in South Sulawesi would be ready for commercial operations on November 10, 2008, 5 months earlier than required under contract with state electricity firm PLN.

The company said that first firing of the plant?s turbine had taken place and is on schedule for synchronization to the PLN grid by October 31, 2008.

Currently, EWC operates a 135-MW power plant in Sengkang.

The company also reported that Negotiations with PLN to amend the existing Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to accommodate the second phase 60MW gas turbine expansion and the third phase 60MW steam turbine expansion are ongoing and scheduled to be completed by year end 2008.

The second phase 60MW gas turbine is already under final manufacture and assembly by Siemens in Germany and will be ready for shipment from the factory before the year end 2008.

Subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the PPA discussion, this unit could commence commercial operation by June 2009, the company said.

Gas from the power plant units is supplied from the company-operated s gas field in Sengkang PSC. (denny)