PLN delays operation of Riau power plant

State-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Nagara (PLN) has been forced to delay the operation of the Tenayan 2x110 MW coal-fired power plant in Pekanbaru, Riau Province, to 2016 as construction of the necessary transmission towers has yet to be completed due to land acquisition problem.

Spokesman of PLN Pekanbaru unit Abdul Hafis was quoted by Antara as saying Thursday that local landowners have demanded very high price for the land. He added the company will seek the help of the Pekanbaru administration to negotiate with the land owners for more reasonable price.

Antara said that construction of the transmission networks was originally targeted to be finished in October of this year to allow for trial operation of the Tenayan power pant to take place in December.

Abdul said construction of the transmission networks is only a minor part of the project, therefore, PLN is optimistic the power plant could start operation not later than March, 2016.

The power produced from the Tenayan Raya steam powered electric plant would be supplied to the Sumatra interconnection system. (*)