Inaugurating PLTGU Riau 275 MW, Minister Of Energy And Mineral Resources: Expected To Attract Investors

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif inaugurated a 275 megawatt (MW) PLTGU located in the Tenayan Raya industrial complex, Pekanbaru, Riau. (Photo: Public Relations of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources)

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Arifin Tasrif, inaugurated a 275 megawatt (MW) Steam Gas Power Plant (PLTGU) located in the Tenayan Raya industrial complex, Pekanbaru, Riau.

PLTGU Riau is owned and operated by PT Medco Ratch Power Riau (MRPR), a joint venture between PT Medco Power Indonesia and Ratch Group.

With the operation of the Riau PLTGU, the capacity of the Sumatran electricity system will increase to 7,266 MW with a peak load of 6,823 MW, bringing the Sumatran electricity system reserves to 443 MW.

"With reliable electricity, it is hoped that it will attract investors so that it can encourage the growth of medium and large industries on the island of Sumatra", said Arifin in his speech when inaugurating the PLTGU, Thursday, May 12.

According to him, PLN has shown readiness to serve industrial areas that require large amounts of electricity according to the location determined by the regional government.

"With sufficient and evenly distributed electricity supply in Riau Province, we hope to increase tourism and the creative economy in this province", he said.

Meanwhile, President Director of Medco Power, Eka Satria, in his speech said, with a combined cycle engine based on the latest technology, the Riau PLTGU produces electricity that is efficient, environmentally friendly, and meets international standards for exhaust emissions and environmental quality management.

"The completion of the Riau PLTGU project demonstrates Medco Power's commitment to supporting the Government's program in developing electricity infrastructure mega-projects, as well as developing our gas to power business portfolio in a sustainable manner", he said.

PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo stated that the operation of the power plant included in the 35,000 MW project is proof of the success of the strategic collaboration between PLN and private power producers (Independent Power Producers/IPPs) in national electricity supply.

"This 275 MW Riau PLTGU is a common achievement for us. In the midst of the challenge of rising international gas prices which have reached 30 US dollars, domestically for plant operations it is only 4 US dollars. Then with various innovations, PLN can reduce the basic cost of providing electricity So it's up to 6 cents cheaper than the average in the Riau subsystem of 8 cents", said Darmawan.

"In addition to being able to electrify 340,000 household customers with a power of 900 VA, the presence of this PLGTU is also expected to improve the welfare of the local community and become a starting point for optimizing regional potential", he concluded.