Muhammad Sofyan, director of renewable energy at the state utility provider known as PLN, said on Friday that it expected to operate three new geothermal power plants this year. They include the 110 megawatt Ulubelu plant in Lampung, Sumatra; a 20 MW plant in Lahendong, North Sulawesi; and a 5 MW plant in Manggarai, West Flores.
Sofyan said the Ulubelu plant was expected to start operating by October. Pertamina Geothermal Energy will provide steam for the plant at a cost of 4.3 cents per kilowatt hour, he said.