Unfortunately, Gorontalo’s residents face an electric network availability deficit. The network seems unable to meet the ever-increasing demand driven by economic growth. Only half of the total electricity supply need of 80 megawatts is provided by state-owned electricity company PLN. Up until now, almost all the electricity supply in Gorontalo is being distributed through the North Sulawesi and Gorontalo electric network.

According to data provided by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, in October 2015, Gorontalo’s electrification ratio reached only 77.58 percent. This means that many houses in the province still have no access to electricity.

With the sharp increase of electricity supply demand at the national level, the Indonesian government has been rolling out a 35-gigawatt electricity program, which is part of the short-term national development program from 2015 to 2019. One of the first results of the development program is a gas power plant currently operating in Gorontalo to help reach the 35 gigawatt target.

During the launching ceremony of the gas power station, which was conducted on June 7, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo officially announced the power station’s commencement of operations, which actually started in March. Constructed by PT PP at the Maleo village in the Paguat regency in the Puhowato district, the power station was built in just six months. Electricity supplied from the power station will be distributed through the Marisa relay station to the Gorontalo power station in North Sulawesi.

General Electric (GE) Indonesia chief executive officer (CEO) Handry Satriago said during the launching ceremony that the company had committed to supporting both the Indonesian government and the PLN in turning their 35-gigawatt electricity project into a success.

“We are proud to be a technological partner as well as mobile power plant technology provider for the Gorontalo gas power plant project,” he stated.

The TM2500 generator series, transported by a trailer, can be installed faster than typical power stations. The efficient installation time is ideal in meeting the demand created by Indonesia’s economic growth. Each of the TM2500 generators has the ability to produce more than 25 megawatts of electricity in Indonesia, which has a hot climate, enough to supply electricity to approximately 25,000 houses.  Four TM2500 units can produce up to 100 megawatts of electricity, which will be used to stabilize electricity networks and meet Sulawesi’s electricity needs in the years to come.

“We are very proud to be able to work with the Indonesian government to present the best mobile power solution we have, namely the turbinaeroderivative TM2500, to Gorontalo,” GE Power Indonesia senior sales leader for aeroderivative gas turbines Fajar Akbar said.

“The technology has been successfully installed in countries such as Egypt, Algeria, Greece and Japan, with a design that allows it to be transported with a trailer, making it possible for an installation process that is fast, efficient and able to supply electricity in a reliable way for years. We hope to be able to work with PLN on other projects to improve the lives of Indonesians in the future,” he added.

The TM2500 generator series utilize the GE LM2500 gas turbine. With the most and best installed base for its class, this gas turbine has more than 75 million operational hours. In the last 15 years, TM2500 has been the most-advanced technology for rapid application in emergency situations, with more than 200 units distributed across the nation and with an installation period that is two-times faster than typical power plant solutions.

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