PLN to operate 4 PLTMs in Mamuju by August

After the operation of two mini hydro power plants (PLTMs) in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, in less than a year, state owned utility firm PT PLN expects two more hydro projects to come on stream in the area in the next few months

PLN has operated PLTM Balla (2x350 kilowatt) since 2011 and PLTM Kaluku (2x700 kilowatt) since early April. The next two are PLTM Bone Hau (2x2 MW) and PLTM Budong-Budong (1x1 MW), which will be in full operation by the end of April and next August, respectively.

The four plants would be able to cover about 67-70 percent of electricity needs in Mamuju, Vickner Sinaga, PLN Director of Operation for Eastern Indonesia, said during a visit to the area last week along with members of House of Represetatives? Commission VII on energy affairs.

The four mini hydro power plants are expected to reduce the use of diesel oil as fuel by 64,000 liters per day, saving about Rp 200 billion in fuel spending per year.

Editing by Dadan Wijaksana