PLN Supply 24.5 MVA Electricity For Pelsart Tambang Kencana In South Kalimantan

Electric illustration (Photo: dock. Antara)

PT PLN (Persero) through PLN, the Main Distribution Unit of South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan (UID Kalselteng) signed the Electricity Sale and Purchase Agreement (PJBTL) of 24.5 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) with PT Pelsart Tambang Kencana (PT PTK) Cluster Tarjun in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (South Kalimantan).

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo revealed that PLN fully supports the government's move to encourage downstreaming of the mineral industry through the provision of reliable electricity at competitive prices. According to him, downstreaming is a strategic step to increase the value of mineral commodities and encourage national economic growth.

"PLN realizes that the presence of electricity is an important factor for industrial activities. Especially for downstreaming of the mineral industry, which requires large and reliable electricity," said Darmawan in an official statement, Monday, January 29.

Darmawan explained that the collaboration between PLN and PT PTK was in accordance with government policies contained in the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Number 301.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2022 concerning the National Mineral and Coal Management Plan (RPMBN) for 2022-2027. PLN's electricity supply to the gold mine owned by PT PTK also made it the largest mid-voltage customers in South Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan.

"Industrial players can focus on the company's core business. PLN is ready to ensure electricity needs for the business of business actors," concluded Darmawan.

General Manager of PLN UID Central Kalimantan Muhammad Joharifin said that his party is optimistic that PLN's electricity will help cut PT PTK's gold mining operational costs. So that this can be used by the company to increase production.

"We are always looking for breakthroughs and solutions so that industry players can easily invest in Kalimantan, which will certainly have an impact on the availability of jobs. PLN is ready to provide electricity to investors no matter what their needs are," he continued.

He also emphasized that PLN's electrical infrastructure in Kalimantan is currently very ready to meet the needs of the mineral industry. It is noted that the latest supply power capability of the South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan and North Kalimantan electricity systems is 1,764 Megawatts (MW) with a reserve of 260 MW.

It does not stop there, PLN also adds new plants every year by utilizing new renewable energy sources that are environmentally friendly, such as solar power, wind, and water.

"This is certainly very sufficient to meet the needs of industries in Kalimantan," concluded Joharifin.

Hendra Setiawan as Director of PT PTK appreciates PLN's response steps in meeting electricity needs for PT PTK. He believes that PLN's electric presence is very helpful for the operation of the 62,500 hectare gold mine to become more economical.

"We thank PLN. Electricity from PLN will certainly provide its own advantages for our business operations, because many operating costs have been cut," said Hendra.