PLN to build 20-MW solar power stations in NTT

State owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) will build hybrid solar power stations with a combined capacity of around 20.2 megawatt peak (MWp) in 94 locations in East Nusa Tenggara province,

The firm will get funds from the World Bank for the projects, Dirctorate General of New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) said in a statement on Tuesday.

PLN decides to build numerous solar power stations in the province in view of the abundant sunlight there. PLN will first carry out feasibility study before launching the projects, EBTKE said.

Independent Power Producers (IPP) will be asked to participate to develop a total of 15 MWp power stations in nine locations, including the islands of Timor, Flores, Alor, Rote and Lembata.

Aside from the solar power stations, PLN also plans to build a biomass power plant with a capacity of around 1 MW on Sumba island. It will prepare 200 ha of lands to grow plants that will be used as fuel for the power plant.

Solar power stations and biomass power plants will also be built on smaller islands such as Ende, Pamana, Samau, Pantar, Pura, Solor and Sabu.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon