Nias regency to build two power plants

The authority of Gunungsitoli city, the capital of Nias regency in North Sumatra, will cooperate with private companies to build two power plants this year with total capacity of 31 megawatt (MW).

The mayor of Gunungsitoli, Martinus Lase said that the two plants would comprise of a coal-fired power plant with capacity of 3 x 7 MW, and a solar power plant with capacity of 10 MW.

He said that the construction of the coal-fired power plant would commence in June, while the solar power plant with capacity of 10 MW would be built in stages in the next five years.

PLTU Nias coal-fired power plant will be built by a consortium led by PT Irsac Power, which will operate as an indepedent power producer (IPP). The company, which will sell its electricity to state owned electricity company PLN, will spend up to US$35 million to build the power plant.

Meanwhile, the solar power station would be built as part of the electrification program of the energy and mineral resources ministry, Martinus said. The program will be completed in five years, with total capacity of 10 MW. (*)