PLN targets PLTP Tangkuban Perahu 1 to operate in 2018
Tuesday, July 24 2012 - 10:15 AM WIB
PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) targets the geothermal power plant (PLTP) Tankuban Perahu 1 in West Java to begin commercial operation (COD) in 2018. Currently, the project which is developed by PLN?s subsidiary PT Indonesia Power is entering drilling preparation.
?The project enters exploration stage this year, which will last about 5-6 years. We are targeting the project to begin COD in 2018,? said the Head for New and Renewable Energy of PLN, Muhammad Sofyan in Jakarta.
?We are optimistic that the project will be completed in time because the PLTP is developed by a subsidiary of PLN. Therefore, the funding to finance the project should not become a problem,? said Sofyan.
Sofyan said the geothermal power plant will comprise of two units with capacity of 55 megawatt (MW) each.
As for PLTP Tangkuban Perahu 2 which will be developed by private company PT Wahana Sembada Sakti (WSS), Sofyan said the developer is waiting for approval from local government.
?In addition, the developer is still finding it difficult to secure necessary funding. This is understandable because drilling of three wells would require about US$20 million,? said Sofyan.
The PLTP Tankuban Perahu 2 geothermal power plant will also comprise of two units with capacity of 30 MW each.
Sofyan said PLN expects the PLTP Tankuban Perahu 2 would start commercial production in 2016. Given the delay issuance of permit, the maiden operation of power plant could be delayed to 2018.
Editing by Roffie Kurniawan