PLN Completes Electric Infrastructure Development To Downstream Nickel In East Kalimantan

Illustration (Photo: Doc. PLN)

PT PLN (Persero) has successfully completed the construction of electricity infrastructure that connects the Book of PT Kalimantan Ferro Industry (KFI).

General Manager of PLN East Kalimantan Development Main Unit (UIP KLT) Josua Simanungkalit said PLN had carried out the first voltage filling (energy) of the 150 kV Energize High Voltage Air Line (SUTT) in less than 1 year with 87.93 percent Domestic Component Level (TKDN).

Josua added, in addition to improving the reliability of the electricity system in East Kalimantan, the construction of this SUTT also supports the needs of PT KFI which is engaged in the nickel smelter industry.

PLN targets to gradually supply PT KFI's power needs to 800 MVA.

"With this huge power requirement, the scheme that is possible to be carried out is to provide power in stages. For the first year, we will distribute 100 MVA of power," Josua told the media quoted on Monday, January 9.

Thus, to accommodate the need for High Voltage Consumers (KTT), PLN UIP KLT implements the construction of several electricity infrastructures.

Including the 150 kV Book Substation Extension which was successfully carried out by the first loading on December 13, 2022 and the 150 kV SUTT Book PT KFI.

He detailed that the SUTT 150 kV of the book 'PT KFI' stretches for 26.35 kilometers of circuits (kms) and is supported by 35 towers. This infrastructure development also absorbs 170 workers.

Josua added, PLN UIP KLT has also succeeded in completing the 150 kV SUTT Book (PT KFI) faster than the target a year since the signing of the Electricity Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPJBTL). With the completion of the construction of this electricity project, Josua believes that it will increase the enthusiasm of PT KFI in the construction of the Nickel smelter and substation in the area.

Senior Manager of PT KFI Muhammad Ardi Soemargo, expressed his appreciation to PLN for the timeliness in the development of electricity infrastructure in accordance with the agreement at the Electricity Sale and Purchase Agreement (PJBTL).

"This is a very good thing, that the achievement of development carried out by PLN UIP KLT was successfully carried out within a period of 1 year. PLN kept its promise and this is a good proof not only for us (PT KFI) but for all other investors later," concluded Ardi.