Supporting Mineral Industry Downstream, PLN Increases Power For Freeport Indonesia In Gresik

Director of PT PLN (Persero), Darmawan Prasodjo (doc. PLN).

PT PLN (Persero) supports mineral downstream by supplying an additional 60 Megavolt Ampere (MVA) for copper smelters belonging to PT Freeport Indonesia in the Special Economic Zone (KEK) Gresik, East Java.

Previously, in September 2023, PLN had also supplied 30 MVAs of phase I electric power.

PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, said that his party fully supports the Government's efforts to encourage downstreaming of the mineral industry through the provision of reliable electricity at competitive prices.

Darmawan assessed that downstreaming is a strategic step to increase the value of mineral commodities and spur 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," Darmawan said in a written statement, Friday, February 9, 2024.

He further emphasized that his party is ready to meet the electricity needs of the mineral industry sector which continues to increase every year.

This commitment is in accordance with PLN's mission which not only serves the needs of the community, but also at the same time supports the growth of the domestic industry.

"The availability of electrical energy is a crucial factor in various business and industrial sectors. PLN is committed to meeting electricity needs with a high level of reliability. This is done by providing the best service to all customer consumers, including the smelter industry sector," he said.

On the same occasion, General Manager of PLN's East Java Main Distribution Unit (UID), Agus Kuswardoyo, said that the provision of electricity for PT Freeport Indonesia in the East Java SEZ was carried out in four stages. In detail, stage I was 30 MVA, stage II was 60 MVA, stage III was 110 MVA, and stage IV was 170 MVA.

"PLN will continue to accelerate the addition of phase III and stage IV supply which will be realized in 2024," he said.

With the adequacy of electricity supply, PLN hopes that later after operating, the production of the PT Freeport Indonesia smelter can support other downstream industries, such as cable factories, electric cars, and others.

"PLN wants to take on the role of supporters of the PT Freeport Indonesia smelter project in Gresik Regency which is one of the National Strategic Projects (PSN) in improving the country's economy," he said.

Meanwhile, PT Freeport Indonesia Project Management Officer, Alan Hamertton, appreciated PLN's fast and responsive service to PT Freeport Indonesia's needs in the East Java SEZ. This positive collaboration is recognized to increase the company's operations.

"Thank you, PLN, the need for electricity for our operations has increased and is in accordance with PLN's initial commitment to provide a quick response and provide reliable electricity supply," he concluded.