PLN plans giant power plant in Banten

State electricity firm PT PLN plans the development of a giant power plant complex near the location of its planned LNG receiving terminal in Banten.

PLN?s president Eddi Widiono said on Wednesday the power plant complex would have five lots of power generation unit, each with the capacity of 700 Megawatt.

The power generating units will get gas supplies from the LNG terminal to be built by PLN in Bojonegara. The terminal, which is expected to start operation between 2007-2008, are now the phase of tender pre-qualification.

Eddi said three firms had voiced interest to build one lot each: that is Japanese firm Sumitomo Corp., South Korean firm Kepco and ?another Japanese firm?.

Malaysian state owned oil and gas firm Petronas had also ?made queries? about the power project, according to Eddi.

The power plant is expected to solve much of power shortage problem in Java and Bali when it comes on stream between 2009 and 2010.

PLN are now selecting companies that have submitted bids for the EPC contract of its LNG terminal. Among the companies are Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sofregas of France, Tecnigas, TKK, Ishikawajima, Chicago Bridge & Iron Co., and Fluor Daniel.

Eddi said on Wednesday that Petronas and Indonesian oil and gas firm Medco Energi Internasional had voiced interest in the contract to manage the LNG terminal. (Alex)