JAKARTA. The Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) project, which was built with an investment of US$ 580 million, has been completed and will help supply electricity in West Sumatra.
Agung Pribadi, Head of the Communications Bureau of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), said the 85 megawatts (MW) plant has been operating commercially since Sunday (15/12). "It supplies (electricity) to the Sumatra Grid electricity network owned by PT PLN, it can provide electricity for up to 340 thousand households," said Pribadi through an official statement.
Pribadi added, the project is being developed since 2008. The project is managed by PT Supreme Energy Muara Laboh, a joint venture between PT Supreme Energy, ENGIE, and Sumitomo Corp. from Japan.
At present, Supreme Energy is exploring the development of the second phase of the PLTP project with a capacity of 65 MW. For the second phase, an estimated investment of US$ 400 million is needed. "It is under discussion and will start immediately after PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) negotiations," said Pribadi. (KR/AR)