PLN, Quantum sign MoU on solar PV projects
Monday, November 2 2015 - 09:06 AM WIB
The Indonesian state electricity company, PT. PLN (Persero) (PLN) and PT. Quantum Energy Indonesia (Quantum) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct feasibility studies for the development of up to 100 MW of utility-scale solar PV projects in Indonesia as part of the first phase of Quantum?s investment plans for Indonesia.
The signing of the MoU provides the foundation for the successful development of the first major utility-scale solar PV power plant development in Indonesia. It also shows the commitment and alignment of the goals and interests of both parties, Quantum said in a statement on Monday.
The government of Indonesia is committed to increasing the percentage of new and renewable energy in the country?s energy mix. Quantum is committed to financing, developing and operating commercially viable clean energy projects that create real energy alternatives for PLN. These initial solar PV projects will support the government?s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets as well as its universal electrification goals.
The ongoing cooperation between PLN and Quantum will involve the signing of power purchase agreements for the supply of electricity to be connected directly to the PLN grid. The projects will be developed in various strategic locations throughout Indonesia as Quantum continues work towards rolling out its full investment strategy.
Quantum?s President Director, Mr. Simon G. Bell Said, ?Our cooperation with PLN will accelerate the rate at which Indonesians benefit from access to clean electricity while reducing emissions. The Sun is an amazing power source, and with the ongoing Solar PV cost reductions and efficiency improvements the time for Solar PV in Indonesia is now?.
Over the next five years, Quantum plans to finance, build and operate a minimum of 500 MW of clean power projects with an estimated total investment in excess of US$ 1 billion, and an estimated saving in carbon emissions of more than a million metric tons annually. These clean energy projects will provide electricity for an estimated 2.5 million households.
The first projects are expected to be developed in West Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, North Sulawesi, Central Sulawesi and Gorontalo, allowing for stronger economic development in these provinces. These projects will support President Joko Widodo?s commitment to add 35,000 MW of new generation capacity during his 5-year term in office. Construction of the first projects are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2016.
Editing by Johannes Simbolon