Slow progress in transmission line and substation projects

A report announced by state owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) on Wednesday indicates slow progress in the development of transmission lines and sub-stations for 35,000 MW program

In order to support the 35,000 MW program, PLN has planned to build 732 transmission projects measuring a total of 46,597 circuit kilometers; and 1,371 substations with a total capacity of 108,429 MVA over the period of 2014-2019. Of the total 732 transmission projects, 43,284 circuit km or 93 percent of the total length will be built by PLN with the rest (3,313 circuit km or 7 percent of the total length) to be built by Independent Power Producers (IPP). OF the total 1,371 substations, 103,839 MVA or 95 of the total capacity will be built by PLN with the remaining 4,950 MVA (5 percent) to be built by IPP.

The transmission lines and substations will play a vital role in transmitting power from the power plants to be built under the 35,000 MW program.

OF the 46,597 circuit km transmission line that is planned to be built by PLN and IPPs, only 2,368 circuit km or 5.1 percent of the total length has been built. The rest is still in in either planning and procurement stage or construction stage, PLN?s spokesperson Agung Murdifi said

Of the 108,429 MVA substations planned to be built by PLN and IPPs, a mere 7,295 MVA or 6.7 percent of the total capacity has been built. The rest is still in either planning and procurement stage or construction stage, Agung added.

Agung said most of the projects, including 35,000 MW power plant projects, are expected to come onstream in 2019.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon