PLN to continue Sumatra-Java sub-sea grid project

By Bernard Loebs

State utility PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) will continue to develop the sub-sea power transmission linking South Sumatra and West Java grid despite the government?s decision to build the Sunda Strait Bridge.

PLN Construction Director Nasri Sebayang said that the sub-sea cable transmission will enable PLN to transmit power generated from the mine-mouth power plants to meet the growing demand of electricity in Sumatra and Java by the year 2017.

?The Sunda Strait bridge will only be developed in 2020 or even 2025. That?s why we still need to build the sub-sea transmission now. Later, when the bridge has been built, we can use it to develop another power transmission if needed,? he said.

According to Nasri, PLN has finalized the pra-qualification process for the tender of the sub-sea transmission EPC. Next step will be to conduct the tender itself, and to prepare the landsite for its development.

Editing by Benget Besalicto ST