Aceh Electricity Recovery Strategy, Crane as Emergency Tower

Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - PT PLN uses a crane as an emergency tower on the 150-kilovolt (kV) Pangkalan Brandan-Langsa transmission network as an effort to accelerate the restoration of electricity supply in Aceh.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo said in Jakarta, Saturday, December 20, that this innovation was chosen because the conditions at one of the Aceh Tamiang transmission points did not allow the construction of an emergency tower in a conventional way in a short time.

"In the field, we face mud deposits, flood debris, and limited access to work. This condition makes the construction of the emergency tower foundation will take longer, so we choose a solution that is still safe so that recovery can continue," said Darmawan, quoted by Antara.

According to him, this step is the key to reconnecting the interconnection of the Sumatra-Aceh electricity system. With the system reconnected, electricity supply can now be gradually and safely distributed to various areas, including Banda Aceh and its surroundings.

After the interconnection was reconnected, PLN distributed electricity with caution. The normalization process was carried out gradually to maintain public safety, especially in areas that were still flooded or muddy.

Meanwhile, PLN System Transmission and Planning Director Edwin Putra Nugraha said that the use of a crane as an emergency tower was a temporary technical solution so that the transmission line could be immediately functional without having to wait for the ground conditions to fully recover.

"Every step of acceleration that we take must still prioritize the reliability of the system and the safety of all parties. Therefore, every technical decision is taken quickly and based on field testing," explained Edwin.

He added, as the condition of the affected location improves, PLN will continue to build a permanent tower according to the electricity standard.

"We will continue to make maximum efforts on the ground until the restoration of Aceh electricity is completely complete and the electricity supply for all communities is reliable again," he added.