PLTP Ulubelu to generate additional 110 MW

By Godang Sitompul

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) expects an additional power generation of 110 MW from its geothermal power plant PLTP Ulubelu in Lampung until the end of the year, to bring total capacity of the plant to 402 MW.

President Director Slamet Riyadi told petromindo.com that the first unit of PLTP Ulubelu, with the capacity of 55 MW, is expected to come on stream by the end of July or early in August. ?While for the second unit, which also has 55 MM capacity, will operate in October-November, faster than earlier target of December,? he said.

The company plans to also develop additional units in Kamojang and Karaha power plants. The construction of these plants has been moved forward to 2014, from initial schedule of 2015. ?We hope that by the end of 2014, we could produce 517 MW in total additional power.?

Slamet added that the company is hopeful that the government can give a good price for the electricity generated from these power plants, a necessity to woo more investors in geothermal sector. ?Hopefully the governmnent will soon issue the feed-in tariffs,? said Slamet.

Editing by Dadan Wijaksana