Three power plants to operate as scheduled: PLN

Three major coal-fired power plants being developed in Java will start operation on schedule in the second quarter of this year, Kompas reported on Friday.

The three are the 2 x315 MW power plant Labuan in Banten, the 3 x 330 MW Indramayu power plant in West Java and the 2 x 315 MW Rembang power plant in Central Java

Fahmi Mochtar, the President Director of state-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), said that the construction of the three plants was all near completion.

Soeriarso Suryo, the project secretary of the Rembang power project, confirmed that the construction of the power plant was 84.56 percent completed. He noted however that power plant is expected to begin commercial operation in September this year, rather than the second quarter of the year as stated by Fahmi.

The three power plants is part of PLN?s 10,000 MW fast track program.

In December 2008, PLN signed a US$262 syndicated loan agreement with China Development Bank (CDB) and Barclays Bank to finance the Rembang power project. The firm then said it had secured all finances needed for the Rembang as well as Labuan and Indramayu projects. (*)