PLN develops new substations in Papua, Maluku

By Nova Farida

Petromindo

State-owned electricity firm PT PLN is developing three new substations in Papua and Maluku regions with combined capacity of 420 mega volt ampere (MVA), two of which are expected to be completed this year.

PLN Business Director for Papua and Maluku region, Haryanto WS told Petromindo.com on Wednesday that two of the substations (GI) that will be completed this year are located in Papua including the GI 150 kV in Holtekamp with capacity of 60 MVA, and GI 150 kV and GI 70 kV in Jayapura with combined capacity of 180 MVA.

?Construction progress of GI Holtekamp has reached 9.57 percent, while GI Jayapura has reached 22.5 percent,? he said, adding that he is optimistic the projects can be completed as scheduled this year.

Meanwhile, GI 150 kV Passo and GI 70 kV Passo with combined capacity of 180 MVA in Maluku Province is targeted to start operation next year.

PLN has previously completed construction of a combined 274 kms transmission lines in Papua and Maluku, and substations with total capacity of 100 MVA. ?Our toughest challenge in developing the projects are permitting and land acquisition,? he said.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak