South Sumatra can provide 1,400 MW of electricity supply to Java

South Sumatra can provide power supply of up to 1,400 MW within three years beginning next year to help cope with the electricity crisis in Java and Bali, Kompas reported on Thursday.

The head of the mining office of the South Sumatra provincial administration, Nono Suratno, said in Palembang on Wednesday that a number of coal and gas fired power plants which are now under construction would begin their operation beginning next year.

"The operation of the new power plants will be able to help solve the electricity crisis in Java and Bali," he said during a meeting with a representative of the World Bank, who visited the province to get a first hand information on the province's electricity projects.

At least three coal-fired power plants will begin their operation next year, including Gunung Magang, Borang and Musi Makmur. The three power plants will be able to provide electricity supply of up to 1,400 MW.

A number of investors have expressed their intention to build new power plants in the natural resources rich province, which is believed to have coal reserves of up to 22.24 billion tons, gas reserves of up to 7.03 trillion cubic feet, and geothermal reserve equivalent to 1, 355 million MW.

The government is currently building an inter-island power transmission grid linking Java and Sumatra to connect the two islands' power networks. The project is scheduled for completion in 2007. (*)