The Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Has Dispatched The Labuhan Angin PLTU Fire Investigation Team

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) dispatched an investigation team to investigate the fire incident that occurred at the Labuhan Angin Steam Power Plant (PLTU) Unit 1, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra on Thursday night, May 8, 2024 at 21.40 WIB.

Investigations were carried out to identify the cause of the incident as well as an anticipatory measure.

"We have dispatched a Team of Electricity Inspectors to conduct an investigation so that similar incidents do not happen again," said Director General of Electricity Jisman Hutajulu in Jakarta, Saturday, May 10.

He added that the PT PLN Indonesia Power report stated that the fire that occurred was most likely caused by a high-intensity lightning strike. The spread triggered a local explosion in one part of the facility.

"For the field team's rapid response efforts, the fire was successfully extinguished in less than two hours," continued Jisman.

Furthermore, Jisman ensured that the fire that occurred at the Labuhan Angin Unit 1 PLTU did not have an impact on electricity consumers. The Sumbagut subsystem continues to operate normally, although the reserve power supply has decreased by 70 MW due to the fire.

In addition, there were no casualties or injuries in this incident. All personnel on duty are in a safe condition, and emergency response procedures have been carried out swiftly and effectively.

Currently, the process of cleaning the affected areas is ongoing, accompanied by a thorough examination by the technical team. All major systems and equipment are being studied to ensure operational feasibility and security.

"Rescuation efforts are focused on thorough checking of both ballistics, turbines, generators, as well as control and protection systems," he continued.

PLN Indonesia Power has also prepared a plan for gradual operational recovery. This stage includes testing the electricity system, replacing affected components, and verifying the final feasibility of operations by independent parties and regulators. Unitary operations are expected to start running again in the next few weeks, depending on the results of technical evaluation and safety.

For information, the Labuhan Angin PLTU is located in Tapian Nauli I Village, Tapian Nauli District, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. The plant was inaugurated on January 28, 2010 and has a capacity of 2x115 MW.

This PLTU operation is under the management of PT PLN Indonesia Power Services, a subsidiary of PT PLN Indonesia Power, which is a subholding of PT PLN (Persero).