State electricity company PT PLN has constructed 191 high-voltage overhead transmission line (SUTT) towers of 150 kV Sandai – Incomer (Ketapang-Sukadana) with a length of 129,762 kilometers of circuit (kms) and provided electricity to the 30 Megavolt Ampere (MVA) Substation in Muara Jekak Village, Ketapang, West Kalimantan.
General Manager of PT PLN for West Kalimantan region, Muhammad Dahlan Djamaluddin, said that this project was part of the development of the electricity system in West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan.
“Through this infrastructure development, we will enhance the reliability of electricity in West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan, so that the community can enjoy better quality electricity,” said Dahlan on Sunday, January 28, 2024.
Dahlan explained that this project supports the de-dieselization program initiated by the government, which aims to decommission the 7.8 MW Aggreko Tayap Diesel Power Plant. It is important to note that de-dieselization involves converting diesel power plants (PLTD) to solar power plants (PLTS) and batteries, or other renewable energy-based facilities.
This is also one of the government’s efforts to achieve Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060. Furthermore, Dahlan stated that these SUTT towers have a local content level (TKDN) of over 90 percent, and the GI infrastructure has a TKDN of almost 70 percent. During the construction process, the GI and SUTT had to pass through eleven villages, three sub-districts, and two districts, namely Ketapang and North Kayong. PLN, through its West Kalimantan Main Unit (UIP KLB), aims to complete the construction of interconnection networks between the Barito electricity system in Central Kalimantan and the Khatulistiwa system in West Kalimantan through the 150 kV Sandai – Tayan and 150 kV Kendawangan – Sukamara SUTT projects.
This infrastructure, Dahlan continued, can positively contribute to the economy and investment, especially in Ketapang and North Kayong.
“As part of the Kalimantan interconnection project, the Sandai and Sukadana areas and surrounding areas need reliable electricity supply to drive economic growth in the region,” he said.
PLN is increasingly focused on building network infrastructure this year. The operation of transmission networks and substations is expected to strengthen the reliability of the electricity system while reducing the use of fossil fuel-based energy. Additionally, a reliable electricity supply is expected to support communities and businesses in their activities, thus enhancing productivity.
