"The sites of the seven stations are now in the process of being auctioned."Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian electricity company PT PLN Persero is targeting operations on seven new solar power generating stations on Sumbawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) by mid-2013.
The total investment on the seven solar stations, with a capacity of more than 900 kilo watt peak (kWp), is expected to be worth Rp33 billion.
"The sites of the seven stations are now in the process of being auctioned. The construction is estimated to take three months. Hence, the seven solar power stations are expected to be ready and begin operations by mid-2013," said PLN deputy planning manager for West Nusa Tenggara region, Imam Anang here on Wednesday.
According to Anang, the seven stations would be located at sites across the Sumbawa Isles, namely Medang, Sekotok, Moyo, Bajo Pulo, Maringkik Islands and three sub-branches in Lantung, Lebin and Lawis.
"The seven new solar stations with a total output of about 900 kWp would be able to reduce the consumption of fuel oil in diesel power plants significantly, which is equivalent to approximately 2 billion Rupiah per month, the savings on operational costs for electricity supply," he said.
The state company already operates three solar power stations, with a total capacity of 820 kWp, in three of West Nusa Tenggara`s islands, namely in Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno, which have been able to save operational costs worth approximately Rp1.8 billion per month.
He said that the solar-powered electricity would be fed directly into the 20 kiloVolt (kV) network system. The electricity systems for Lombok and the three Gilis have been connected to a submarine cable since 19 September 2012.
"The operation of the submarine cable is also pushing up the operating cost of electricity supply, to the tune of Rp22 billion per month," he added.
(U.A050/INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
