Indonesian company PT Sumber Energi Surya Nusantara (SESNA) signed an MoU with Australian company Nickel Mines (NIC) to develop a 200 MWp (megaWatt peak) solar farm project in Morowali Industrial Park in Central Sulawesi. The facility will be equipped with a 20 MWh (megaWatt hours) battery energy storage system.
“SESNA has been selected as the project initiator and will own, build, test, finance and operate the solar project farm,” the company’s Marketing Manager Atikah Amaliadanti told Indonesia Business Post on June 2, 2022.
She did not reveal the amount invested in the project. She said, however, that the company would be open to collaborating with potential partners in the development of this project, including obtaining financing from abroad.
“We are open to various collaboration schemes not only for this project but for future projects as well,” Amaliadanti.
Nickel Mines plans to utilize renewable energy by producing electricity to nickel processing sites in its operational areas.
The project will be supported by technology and equipment imported from suppliers and vendors in Europe and China. The majority of suppliers are top-tier manufacturers. The company is open to opportunities for technology and equipment suppliers from the United States, Europe, and China.
The project is currently in its development phase, which includes study, technical analysis and preparation of Detailed Engineering Design based on the survey. The timeline for the construction and operation will be based on the study results.
“We are optimistic that this project will proceed smoothly,” Amaliadanti said, adding that procurement and construction schedules will be synchronized. Pre-construction preparations will be discussed so that construction can begin as soon as possible.
“As part of the company’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we are pleased to maintain a good relationship with SESNA through the signing of this MoU for a 200 MWp solar power project,” said Nickel Mines Managing Director Justin Werner in January 2022.
According to the agreement, Nickel Mines will be responsible for the cost based on their monthly power usage. “In addition to efficient operation costs, Nickel Mines will also benefit from guaranteed operations and maintenance,” Amaliadanti concluded.
The total planned capacity of the solar farm project is 396kWp (kiloWatt peak) plus 250kWh (kiloWatt hour) of battery storage at Hengjaya Nickel Mine which is 80% owned by Nickel Mines. The location currently uses a diesel powered generator. However, with this solar farm project, diesel consumption will be reduced by around 31 million liters.
