"In the middle of this year, there would be no more plants using fuel oil in Java," said Jarman, Director General of Electricity Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government aims to stop using fuel oil for electricity power plants situated in Java island by June 2012.

"In the middle of this year, there would be no more plants using fuel oil in Java," said Jarman, Director General of Electricity Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, here on Friday.

Jarman stated that the target would be achieved following the operation of the floating storage and regasification unit in Jakarta`s Northern Sea by the end of May.

The floating unit would supply gas to Muara Karang and Tanjung Priok steam-powered electricity plants in North Jakarta.

Most of these power plants were previously using diesel oil due to the lack of available gas resources.

Jarman said fuel oil would only be used on plants outside Java and Bali.

"To increase the electrification ratio outside Java island, fuel-powered electricity plants must be added," he explained.

Thus, the fuel saved would be used by power plants outside Java island, Jarman added.

In January 2012, the government halted a steam power plant which was using fuel oil and replaced it with the Tanjung Jati B steam-powered electricity plant.

"Tambaklorok steam-powered electricity plant will operate again after gas supply is available and electricity demand increases," he said.

Jarman added that fuel consumption in Bali would also reduce after the operation of the Java-Bali transmission cable in September 2012.

According to him, the oil-powered electricity plant that operates in Bali is capable of supplying at least 600-700 MW of electricity.

Currently, the fuel reduction program in Sumatra island involves building of a mine mouth power plant.

Jarman said that in 2012, the share of fuel in primary energy mix will be 13 percent, down from 22 percent in 2011.

"Next year, we will try to bring it down to 9 percent and then to 5 percent," he added.

In the revised 2012 state budget, fuel consumption by the state electricity company, PLN, is expected to reach 7.46 million kiloliters, while there will be Rp88 trillion in electricity subsidies, which includes Rp23 trillion worth of reserved electricity.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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