UBE operates PLTG Tanjung Uncang 2x35 MW in Batam

By Cepi Setiadi

PT Universal Batam Energy (UBE), subsidiary of PT Medco Power Indonesia, has been operating its gas engine power plant (PLTG) with the capacity 2x35 MW in Tanjung Uncang, Batam Island since early this year.

Hartono Indriyanto, President Director of UBE, told Petromindo.com on Wednesday that one unit achieved Commercial Operation Date (CoD) on Jan. 6, 2016. Another unit was iniitially scheduled to start operation on Jan. 29, but it failed to do so due the absence of Commissioning Completion Certificate (SLO). The SLO is no longer to be issued by public utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) (PLN) but the local government under the new minister of energy and mineral resources regulation.

?We applied for the SLO. However, the (Riau Archipelago province) governor passed away before issuing the SLO. Thus, we are still waiting for the SLO. We expect to obtain the SLO as soon as possible so that we can operate the power plant at full capacity,? he said.

He noted that once the power plant has come into operation at full capacity, Batam will enough installed capacity to meet its power needs. Thus, there won?t be any blackouts.

Hartono said gas for the power plant is supplied by IDX listed state gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGN) Total investment for the project is about US$ 70 million.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon