PLTM Cirompang starts operation

PLTM Cirompang, a mini hydropower plant in West Java, built by PT Tirta Gemah Ripah (Tirta Jabar), a firm owned by the West Java provincial administration, has started operation, public utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) (PLN) said in a statement on Thursday.

A Commercial Operation Date (COD) document was signed in Bandung by Tirta Jaba?s President Director Emryaas Imsak Soeleiman and PLN?s West Java Manager Iwan Purwana to mark the operation of the 4x2 MW power plant. The event was witnessed by West Java?s Governor Ahmad Heryawan.

The power plant is located in Cihikeu village, Bungbulang district, Garut regency. It uses water from Cirompang river.

Under the Power Purchasing Agreement (PPA) signed in 2011, PLN pays Rp 656 per kWh for power from the power plant over a period of 15 years. PLN?s Senior Public Relation Manager Agung Murdifi said PLN can make a profit from buying and selling power from PLTM Cirompang as average selling price of power in West Java now stands at Rp 978 per kWh.

He said PLN encourages the public or investors to build environmentally friendly power plants such as PLTM Cirompang. Interested parties may contact PLN?s Power Purchasing Team at PLN West Java Distribution office on Jl. Asia Afrika No. 63, Bandung.

Meanwhile, Emryas said the power plant will generate Rp 2.6 billion per month for the West Java administration. The power plant can provide power for 8,000 families in two nearby districts.

?The West Java administration will get a full return on its investment within 15 years of operation of the power plant,? he said, adding that Tirta Jabar spent Rp 172 billion to build the power plant with financial supports from PT Danareksa Capital.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon