GE supplies F-class gas turbine to Kaltim Baru power plant

U.S. company General Electric (GE) has secured a contract to supply its F-class gas turbine technology for the Kaltim Baru power plant in Tanjung Batu, East Kalimantan, which will be developed and operated by PT Wika, an integrated EPC contractor and investor based in Jakarta.

The company stated in a press statement on Monday that for power plant development, GE would supply two units of 6FA gas turbines in November this year. It is scheduled to start commercial operation in June next year with each having a generation capacity of 70 Megawatt with open cycle.

The two power plants are expected to stabilize the power network in the area by fulfilling the power demand during peak load. Initially, the two units are operated with high speed diesel fuel-based (HSD) machine, but then after securing gas supply, both will be converted to the use of natural gas, with the HSD as a emergency fuel backup.

?The development of the two power plants with the F-class gas turbine technology will enable the state utility PLN to increase its power supply in the region at lower cost in the long run by converting the use of petroleum-based fuels to natural gas,? said Slamet Maryono, the Operational Director of PT WIKA.

?While waiting to secure their natural gas supply, the two power plants with the 6FA technology can be made to run on other non-traditional energy resources,? he said.

Besides supplying the two gas turbines, GE will also provide technical services, installations and unit test services, trainings, and performance monitoring.

"The development of the two power plants will help PLN in improving its efficiency and increasing the electrification rate in the eastern part of Indonesia,? said Ramesh Singaram, GE Head of Asia Pacific Power Services.

?With the technology, we believe the area will get a more secured supply of electricity so that it can further generate the local economy to a higher level possible,? he said.

Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.