PLN Operations Sumatra-Bangka Sea Cable, The Electricity System For The Second Island Is Getting More Reliable

Photo of Dok PLN

PALEMBANG - PT PLN (Persero) managed to operate the submarine cable, the third line (sirkit III) of the Sumatra 'Bangka interconnection network on Saturday, December 10 yesterday.

This 150-kiloVolt (kV) voltage interconnect further strengthens the reliability of electricity supply in the Province of the Bangka Belitung Islands.

The Director of New Renewable Project and Energy Management of PLN Wiluyo Kusdwiharto explained that the operation of the longest underwater power cable in Indonesia is expected not only to be able to increase the reliability of electricity, but also to encourage the economy of the Bangka people.

"The operation of this 36-kilometer electric cable will bring fresh air to economic growth in Bangka. The potential for economic growth in the small, medium to large scale business sector such as shrimp ponds, hotels, tin smelters and palm oil processing do not need to worry about the large electricity needs for the sustainability of the production process," explained Wiluyo.

This interconnection system, he added, is in line with the government's plan to connect electricity networks on various islands.

Previously, the operation of the first line of the Sumatran-Bangka submarine cable had officially operated to serve the electricity needs of the Bangka community on April 16, 2022.

"The government has planned a super grid, namely electricity infrastructure that stretches from east to west. PLN will also pay attention to the supply and demand factors in the interconnection," he explained.

Wiluyo explained, by charging the third line of interconnection of the 150 kV Sumatran-Bangka submarine cable, it will provide additional power of 20 Megawatts (MW) towards Bangka and will continue to be increased gradually.

"This interconnection system is also increasing the reliability of the electricity system and avoiding power deficits in Bangka when maintenance or disruption occurs. This condition strengthens PLN in realizing its ideals as a quality electricity service provider company," said Wiluyo.

General Manager of PLN's Southern Sumatra Development Main Unit, Muhammad Dahlan Djamaluddin, explained that the operation of this interconnection system is also in line with PLN's commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

"With this interconnection system, PLN is increasingly determined to disable all fuel oil power plants in Bangka, so that they can meet the net zero emission target as soon as possible," said Wiluyo.

In his explanation, Dahlan also expressed his appreciation for the support of stakeholders in the success of the operation of the third line of Sumatran-Bangka submarine cables so that PLN can complete the construction of electricity on Bangka Island.

"Please support PLN in building electricity infrastructure, so that electricity is more reliable and our brothers and sisters who have not enjoyed electricity can immediately feel the benefits," added Dahlan.