PLN integrates 4 tourism islands with seabed power grid

State utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has operated an undersea power grid system in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), linking four international island resorts of Sengigi in Lombok island, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.

The 10-kilometer medium voltage undersea grid (SKLTM with 20 kV) is connected with a loop system using undersea cable of 3x95 mm2 and two 9,7 MVA circuits. By using the loop system, the power grid will be more reliable as it is supplied with two currents of power through the existing 20 kV Express Feeder of Ampenan ? Senggigi - Tanjung.

PLN Eastern Indonesia Operational Director Vickner Sinaga launched the operation of the power system in a ceremony in Lombok recently by signing a historic inscription and switching off the operation of diesel power plants (PLTD) in Gili Trawangan.

With the operation of the new system, PLN has also stopped the operations of several diesel power plants in Gili Meno and Gili Air. A total of 16 units of diesel-fired power generating machines with total capacity of 3,000 KW had been stopped and replaced by the new system.

PLN will be able to able to achieve cost saving of Rp 21 billion per year with the operation of the new system.

?We hope that the operation of the new power system will further spur the growth of tourism industry in the area, and in turn will also drive the local economy as a whole,? said Vickner Sinaga during the launching ceremony.

Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.