PLTP Lahendong 5 & 6 to start operation in 2014-2015

By Hiski Darmayana

State utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) has planned to start the commercial operation of the geothermal power plant (PLTP) Lahendong unit 5 and 6 in Minahasa regency of North Sulawesi in between 2014 and 2015.

Currently, its developer PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) is finalizing the drillings of eight wells.

?The developer is also trying to reach a financial deal for the geothermal project,? said Anang Yahmadi, senior manager of geothermal with PLN New and Renewable Energy Division Head, in Jakarta over the weekend.

He said that each of the units will have a generation capacity of 20 megawatt (MW). The power price agreed by the government, PLN, and the developer for the power plant was at 8.25 US cents per kilowatt hour (kwh).

The PLTP Lahendong unit 5 and 6 are the continuation of PLTP Lahendong unit 1, 2, 3 and 4, which have been in operation to meet the power need in North Sulawesi.

Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.