(tempo.co)

Aceh is planning to build an 80 megawatt geothermal power plant (PLTP) within three years in the town of Sabang to revive its economy, an independent power producer has said.

PT Sabang Geothermal Energy (SGE), the independent power producer (IPP) that is running the project, plans to drill in four locations at the beginning of December.

'€œWe are still waiting for the land permits from the ministry,'€ PT SGE representative Nurdin said in Sabang.

Since President Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo visited Sabang six months ago, the mayor'€™s office has been approached by a number of investors looking for potential investment opportunities on the country'€™s westernmost island, said Sabang Mayor Zulkifli H Adam.

The Sabang administration was ready to assist with land issues for the geothermal power station and its transmission lines, Zulkifli added.

'€œI believe that the Aceh governor wants the project to be completed as soon as possible,'€ he said.

According to Zulkifli, the availability of electricity has become a major obstacle for the development of the maritime industry in Aceh.

'€œWe need reliable electricity with strong capacity immediately. We need to build more hotels, revive the fishing industry and stimulate port regeneration to create jobs,'€ Zulkifli said.

Jokowi recently instructed state-owned power company PLN to intensify a new diesel power station in Sabang in order to ease the power demand in the province. (nov/dan)

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