PLN increases power reliability in Sumatra

Petromindo

State utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has managed to increase the reliability of electricity in Sumatra by operating its overhang transmission of high voltage power (SUTT) of 275 kV along 389 kilometer from Lahat to Muara Bungo since Jan.1, 2017.

PLN said in a press release on Friday that the transmission network links the extra high voltage substation (GITET) of Lahat with GITET in Lubuk Linggau, GITET Bangko, and GITET Muara Bungo in South Sumatera and Jambi, which are all parts of the electricity transmission network of 275 kV in Sumatera from Aceh to Lampung.

PLN?s Sumatra Regional Business Director Amir Rosidin said that the operation of the SUTT 275 kV will increase the power reliability in Sumatera from Aceh to Lampung. ?With higher transmitting capacity at 275 kV, we?ve increased the power reliability in Sumatra. That way we can reduce the power losses and increase our optimism that the power toll transmission can be realized in Sumatera.? said Amir Rosidin.

He said that the high voltage transmission will be able to distribute power from the southern part of Sumatra, where many big power plants are located, to the northern part, where power demands are high. ?Northern and Central part of Sumatera has a higher consumption of power, while the southern part has several power plants with big capacities, such as the coal-fired power plant (PLTU) Banjarsari with capacity of 2 x 110 MW, PLTU Banjarsari 2 x 110 MW, PLTU Simpang Belimbing 2 x 110 MW, and PLTU Sumsel 8 that will be built with capacity of 1,200 MW.

Previously, the transmission from the substation (GI) in Lahat to substation in Muara Bungo has been in operation since 2003 with a transmitting capacity of 150 kV. In 2010, it was planned to increase the transmitting capacity to 275 kV. In 2013, through the international contract with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) which led a financial consortium, PLN started the development of the SUTT.

Besides developing the 275 kV transmission network, PLN has also developed the 500 kV transmission network along 1,100 kms from Muara Enim to Galang. The transmission from Muara Enim - New Aur Duri - Peranap ? Perawang with a total length of 600 kms was targeted to be finalized in 2019. But from Perawang to Galang was targeted to be finalized by 2020.

Editing by Benget Besalicto ST.