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New power plant to illuminate the island of Sumatra
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif officially inaugurated the Riau Gas Steam Power Plant (PLTGU) in the Tenayan Industrial Estate, Pekanbaru, Riau, on Thursday (12/05/2022).
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nergy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif officially inaugurated the Riau Gas Steam Power Plant (PLTGU) in the Tenayan Industrial Estate, Pekanbaru, Riau, on Thursday (12/05/2022). The operation of this power plant has a capacity of 275 megawatts (MW) and is hoped to strengthen the reliability of electricity supply in the system in Sumatra, especially the Riau subsystem.
With the new operation of PLTGU Riau, the electric capacity of Sumatra will increase to 7.266 MW, with a peak of 6,823 MW, as well as bringing the reserve system to 443 MW. PLTGU Riau was developed by PT Medco Ratch Power Riau, a subsidiary of PT Medco Power Indonesia and RATCH Group Public Company Limited.
"With reliable electricity, we hope to attract investors to encourage the growth of medium and large industries on the island of Sumatra," said Arifin. The minister adds that PLN has shown its readiness in assisting industrial areas that require large amounts of electricity according to the location determined by the regional government.
"In addition, with an adequate and evenly distributed electricity supply in Riau, we hope to increase tourism and the creative economy in this province," he said.
PLN president director Darmawan Prasodjo stated that the operation of the power plant included in the 35,000 MW project is proof of the success of the strategic collaboration between PLN and private power producers (Independent Power Producer or IPP) in the national electricity supply.
"This 275 MW Riau PLTGU is our common achievement in the midst of the challenge of increasing international gas prices, which now amount to US$30, while domestically, for power plant operations, it costs only $4. Then, with various innovations, PLN can reduce the basic cost of providing electricity to 6 cents, from the average in the Riau subsystem of 8 cents," said Darmawan.
Other than electrifying 340 thousand homes with a power of 900 VA, the presence of PLTGU aims to improve the welfare of the local community and increase the potential of the area.
Darmawan revealed that there has been a 6 percent increase in electricity demand in Sumatra, more than the 4.5 percent increase on the island of Java. He added that the increase may parallel the addition of toll roads and various developments around the island, based on demand from the industrial sector and economic activities.
"With this PLTGU operating, of course electricity will be more reliable and of high quality. Furthermore, regarding the increasing electricity demand in Sumatra, 11 percent of it comes from the industrial sector. This means that the potential is huge. PLN is ready to welcome the challenge of meeting investors' electrical needs in the future," he explained.
Darmawan also gave his assurance of PLN's readiness to collaborate with the Riau provincial government to support regional progress, in terms of new economic zones, new industries or more in the Riau province.
"The operation of the Riau PLTGU can be a strategic moment for all of us to improve the welfare of the community," said deputy governor of Riau H. Edi Natar Nasution, as he welcomed the operation of the Riau PLTGU.
The Riau provincial government gives the assurance of continuous support to improve the electricity infrastructure for villages and hamlets, which will be priorities for electricity-network development.
“We do have an annual target of developing electricity infrastructure in order to be able to illuminate all of the villages in Riau. The public support for Program Riau Terang 2022 to illuminate villages inspires strong commitment for us all,” he said.
