Encourage Nickel's Downstreaming, PLN Fires 1st Phase 15 MW For Antam's Smelter Feronicle In East Halmahera

Photo: Doc. PLN

PT PLN (Persero) has successfully relocated the Diesel and Gas Power Plant (PLTDG) from Batanghari, South Sumatra to East Halmahera, North Maluku to supply electricity needs for PT Aneka Tambang Tbk (Antam). With this relocation, PLN ensures that the electricity supply for the East Halmahera Feronickel smelter is sufficient for the long term.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo said that the readiness of electricity supply would be the basis for the nickel mining industry to develop quickly.

"In accordance with President Joko Widodo's direction, we absolutely implement this nickel downstream policy. Our task at PLN is to ensure electricity supply to encourage the pace of economic growth to create a multiplier effect through the readiness of electricity supply for industry and business," Darmawan told the media, Monday, January 2.

The lighting for the first phase with a power of 15 mega watts (MW) is a follow-up to the Electric Power Purchase Agreement (PJBTL) which was agreed by both parties in March 2022. "Furthermore, in February 2023, the second phase will be turned on with a power of 75 MW," added Darmawan.

To be able to meet the first phase of electricity needs of 15 MW, he continued, within nine months PLN managed to synchronize one generating machine by 15 MW out of a total of 51 MW and 60 MW from South Sumatra, which was relocated to East Halmahera so that it could optimize electricity supply for Antam smelters.

"In this case, we want to support Antam all out because he is a fellow BUMN. Antam is a PLN's brother," said Darmawan.

Darmawan said this collaboration also signifies the synergy between SOEs to boost the national economy. Because, Antam is a state-owned member of the Mining Industry Holding which focuses on implementing downstream development strategic initiatives.

This initiative is very important to increase the added value of mining products. "If this is the first ignition, then there will be further lighting. And the Antam-PLN collaboration will be closer to better chemistry with one goal, namely building Indonesia to be more advanced," Darmawan said.

Director of Business Development Antam Dolok Robert Silaban said that the initial electricity lighting was a very important step for the success of the Feroniel smelter construction project in East Halmahera. Currently, his party is concentrating on completing the construction project of the East Halmahera Feronicel Factory along with its supporting infrastructure.

"On behalf of Antam, I appreciate the initial electricity lighting from PLN. Through positive synergy and a strong commitment between Antam and PLN, the implementation of PJBTL can be carried out optimally. This is very useful in accelerating the completion of the phase of the construction of the Feronicel Haltim Factory," said Dolok.

Dolok added, in line with the completion of the installation of power plants and construction of smelters, later the East Halmahera Smelter with a capacity of 13,500 Ton Nickel will increase the portfolio of Antam's total annual ferronickel-coupled production capacity by a total of 40,500 Ton Nickel. "In line with the progress of the electricity procurement process and the completion of the factory construction phase, it is planned that the Feronicel Hallim Factory can start operating in the second half of 2023," concluded Dolok.