PLN sets aside US$2.3 billion to build 3 PLTGU in Java

State-owned electricity company PLN said it has allocated US$2.3 billion to build three units of gas-fired power plants (PLTGU) in Java in 2014 to further meet the surging electricity demand in the country, Kontan reported on Monday.

PLN?s director for planning and technology Nasri Sebayang said that the construction of the three power plants was expected to be completed in 2018.

?The three power plants will have a capacity of 1,500 MW each, with gas supply of 750 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd),? Nasri added.

The three units of gas-fired power plants were in addition to the development of three units of gas-fired power plants in Kalimantan.

PLN hoped that the three combined cycle power plants in Kalimantan would be able to start commercial operation in 2013.

PLN?s Director for Operation Vickner Sinaga said in Jakarta over the weekend that two of the power plants would be built in Bontang and another one in Tanjung Batu. ?All three units of the gas-fired power plants are currently at a tender stage. ?The construction will be commenced by the end of this year,? he added.

The three gas-fired power plants will comprise PLTGU Bontang, which will have two units with a capacity of 50 MW each and PLTGU Tanjung Batu which will have a single unit with a capacity of 50 MW. (*)