JAKARTA (TheInsiderStories) - President Joko Widodo on Monday (Oct 17) inaugurated six electricity infrastructure projects in Papua and West Papua provinces, including two renewable energy projects as a move to improve electricity coverage in the area.
The six projects are:
1. Hydropower plant (PLTA) Orya Genyem 2 x 10 MW
2. Mini hydropower plant (PLTMH) Prafi 2 x 1,25 MW
3. High Voltage Grid (SUTT) 70 kilo Volt Genyem – Waena – Jayapura along 174.6 kilometer circuit
4. High Voltage Grid (SUTT) 70 kilo Volt Holtekamp - Jayapura, along 43.4 kilo meter circuit
5. Substation (GI) Waena – Sentani 20 Mega Volt Ampere
6. Substation (GI) Jayapura 20 Mega Volt Ampere
The total value of the projects reached Rp989 billion. PLN claimed the operation of the projects will save PLN around Rp161 billion per annum. The substations and high voltage grids are the first in Papua.
The inauguration of the projects were held in GI Waena, Harapan Village, Sentani. Presideng Joko Widodo was accompanied by State Owned Minister Rini Soemarno and West Papua Provincial Governor Lucas Enembe.
The development of the renewable energy projects is part of PLN’s drive to achieve 23 percent share of renewable energy mixed by 2025.
At present PLN is also developing various power plant projects with total capacity of 253 MW in Papua and West Papua provinces as well as transmissions along 246 kilometers and 8 substations worth Rp7 trillion, said PLN President Director Sofyan Basir. These projects are projected to be completed by 2019.
Papua Governor Lukas Enembe appreciated the government over the inauguration of the projects by the President. He expects these projects will help improve investment climate and local people’s economy.
Currenlty, Papua and West Papua has power capacity of 294 MW and peak consumption at 242 MW, with annual consumption growth of 8 percent per annum and total customers of 521,000 units. (*)