PLN to expand Ulumbu geothermal plant

State-owned electricity company PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) plans to expand the Ulumbu geothermal power plant in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara province, as the company is making preparations for the second phase 10 MW development of the plant, Kontan daily reported Monday.

The paper quoted PLN Head of New and Renewable Energy, Mochamad Sofyan as saying that total investment required for the second 10 MW development is about US$40 million.

He said that the company was currently making the feasibility study for the second phase development, and is seeking mining permit from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and forestry permit from the Ministry of Forestry.

For the first phase 10 MW Ulumbu geothermal power plant, 5 MW has been operated, Sofyan said, while the remainder 5 MW to be completed in March 2014.

Sofyan explained that the development of the geothermal power plant is part of PLN?s efforts to conver the entire coal and diesel-fired power plants in East Nusa Tenggara province. The company is also planning to develop a 16 MW mini hydro power plant in Wae Racang, West Manggarai, with $50 million funding support from Germany?s KfW bank, which also provides funding for solar power plant development. (*)