PLN Signs PJBTL Development Of Wae Lega PLTM In Flores

PT PLN (Persero) has just signed an Electricity Sale and Purchase Agreement (PJBTL) with PT Gistec Prima Energindo for the development of the Wae Lega Minihydro Power Plant (PLTM) in Kupang. (Photo: Doc. PLN)

PT PLN (Persero) signed an Electricity Sale and Purchase Agreement (PJBTL) with PT Gistec Prima Energindo for the development of the Wae Lega Minihidro Power Plant (PLTM) in Kupang.

Optimizing the minihydro-powered generator with a capacity of 2 x 0.875 MW is a strategic step taken by PLN to encourage the energy transition in the country.

General Manager of PLN East Nusa Tenggara Regional Main Unit Fintje Lumembang said, PJBTL is very strategic because it increases the mix of new and renewable energy (EBT) as well as reduces the cost of electricity production (BPP) in Flores. However, this project still needs a development process to be fully integrated with the PLN electricity system.

"This EBT supply acceleration supports the net zero emission target in 2060, in line with government policies and to suppress BPP electricity so that electricity supply is more efficient and sustainable," said Fintje in an official statement, Tuesday, April 4.

Fintje explained that the potential savings of BPP from PJBTL reached IDR 38.7 billion per year. Moreover, the power plant with a capacity of 1.75 MW is equivalent to 2.12 percent of Flores electricity.

"This hints at the importance of ensuring the sustainability of water supply in Manggarai so that the electricity supply to the Flores electricity system remains continuous. PLN will continue to look for opportunities so that the BPP of the Plant in the Flores Electricity Center can be more efficient," added Fintje.

He continued, the operation of the Wae Lega PLTM has the potential to reduce diesel use in the region. The potential for fuel savings reaches 2,950 kilo liters per year with a reduction in CO2 emotions reaching 11,387.28 metric tons/year.

"With the addition of this generator to the Flores System, it will increase the system's ability to support an increase in electrification ratios through the addition of household customers in the area," explained Fintje.

The PJBTL contract between PLN and PT Gistec will last for 25 years with the Build, Owner, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) scheme. The agreed selling price is around 78.97 percent of the 2020 BPP Generation in the West Flores System.

President Director of PT Gistec Prima Energindo Kevin Hidayat said this PJBTL is more specifically for the provision of electricity in Labuan Bajo, Manggarai and its surroundings. Until now, the project has been running 48 percent.

The Wae Lega PLTM, located in Pong Lengor Village, North Rahong District, Manggarai Regency, NTT, is a generating project that utilizes the water potential of the Wae Lega River and is targeted for completion by 2025.

"Thank you to PLN for entrusting the Labuan Bajo electricity supply to us. Hopefully this project can be completed quickly and supply clean electricity to the community," said Kevin.