PLTU Pacitan to start operation next month

The coal-fired power plant (PLTU) Pacitan in Pacitan regency of East Java province is expected to begin commercial operation next moth, providing additional power supply to the Java Bali power grid and increasing the local electrification rate.

Nur Pamudji, the president director of state owned electricity company PT. PLN visited the new power plant last Friday to see for himself the latest progress in the development of the plant which would consist of two units with a total generation capacity of 2 x 315 megawatt (MW).

At present, its development has reached 95 percent, so that by next month (February) it will be completed and start commercial operation. The first unit will begin commercial operation in February and the second unit in March this year.

Besides strengthening the Java-Bali power grid, the Pacitan power plant is also expected to increase the electrification rate in the area, which is lower than the national average rate and still included among the lowest electrification rate in Java island. Pacitan regency?s electrification rate is only about 65 percent as compared to around 75 percent at national level.

PLTU Pacitan is one of dozens of coal-fired power plants being built under the first 10,000 MW fast track power plant development program, which was initiated several years ago.

Most of the power plants built under the first 10,000 MW program have begun their commercial operations.

Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.