Expanded PLTU Cilacap starts operation

State-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has increased its power generation capacity to strengthen Java-Bali system through the operation of the coal-fired power plant (PLTU) Cilacap Expansion-1 with a generation capacity of 1 x 660 Mega Watt (MW) in Karang Kandri village of Cilacap regency in Central Java.

PLN stated in a press release on Thursday that the expanded PLTU was built adjacent to the location of the existing 2 x 300 MW PLTU Cilacap. Its operation was marked with the signing of commercial operation date between PT PLN and PT Sumber Segara Primadaya as the power plant developer in the headquarters of PLN in Jakarta on Thursday. Present during the ceremony were PLN?s Central Java Regional Business Director Nasri Sebayang and Sumber Segara Primadaya?s President director Muhammad Rasul.

The expanded PLTU Cilacap, which is operated with the technology of Super Critical Boiler and fired with low range coal (4,200 kilo calorie per kilogram), has been included into the inter-connected system of Java ? Bali through the 500 kV transmission network of Adipala-Kesugihan. Supported with the Fluidized Gas Desulphurizaton (FGD), the power plant is expected to be efficient and more friendly to the environment.

?After a series of tests of endurance and synchronization, the expanded PLTU Cilacap finally got a certificate of operation worthiness. It has added a power supply of 660 MW and potential to add up to 350,000 new customers. It will also strengthen the power system of Java-Bali,? said Nasri Sebayang.

Currently, customers in Central java amounted to more than 22 million, an increase of 4.83 percent from that of 2015.

Editing by Benget Besalicto ST.