PLN opens LRC supply tender

State electricity firm PLN announced on Wednesday the opening of PQ to supply low rank coal for its proposed power plants, which will be located across the archipelago.

The company said in its announcement posted in national papers that eligible participants must be coal mining companies which have completed exploration stage, will have completed feasibility study in 2007 and has minimum measured reserves of 100 million tonnes for supply to more than 100-MW-capacity power plants, minimum reserves of 40 million tonnes for less than 65-MW power plants, and 15 million tonnes for less than 15-MW plants.

PLN divided coal specification into several categories, starting from 3,900 Kcal/kg to 5,300 Kcal/kg.

Registration would be closed May 4, 2007.

The announcement did not specify coal volume or length of supply contract sought.

PLN is embarking on an ambitious plan to build 10,000-MW coal-fired power plants across the country within the next 8 years and is looking to secure some 40 million tonnes of coal annually to fire the proposed power plants. (alex)