PLN says Lahendong geothermal project attracts bidders

State-owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) said Wednesday that tender to construct Lahendong II geothermal power project in North Sulawesi had attracted significant numbers of companies.

?So far, about 16 companies have bought bidding documents for the project,? PLN director Ali Herman Ibrahim said in a hearing with the House of Representatives Commission VIII on mining and energy.

Ali said the tender would be closed on January 25, 2005, while the winner will be announced in February.

The project is to construct a new geothermal generating facility at the existing Lahendong geothermal power plant (20 MW) located 20 kilometers to the south of Manado, the state capital of North Sulawesi province.

According to Ali, the project would cost between US$18 million and $25 million with a construction time of approximately 20 months. ?We hope that the new power plant will start to deliver electricity by March 2007,? Ali added. (godang)