TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mahakam Ulu Regency in East Kalimantan is planning to build two solar power plants, each with a capacity of 40 and 50 kilowatt hour (kWh), respectively. The construction of the power plants will be funded by a donation made by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources totalling Rp11 billion.
The Head of Mahakam Ulu Border Management Services, Harun Al Rasyid, said that the construction of the power plants is in line with Mahakam Ulu's vision which aims to prioritise localities. "Mahakam Ulu is also currently finishing a number of micro-hydro electric power plant projects in the area," said Harun in Balikpapan on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.
The power plants will be built in Long Pahangai, which is located 600 kilometres from Balikpapan. The power plants will produce enough electricity to provide 300 watts of electric power for 180 homes in the area and an additional 280 homes in Long Lunup.
Harun added that the power plants will only require a space of 35x35 square meters. The photovoltaic panels will be arranged in such a way that it would take up the least amount of space. The solar-generated electricity will be distributed through the conventional grid to customers in the area.
Contractors plan to train local residents to operate and maintain the solar power plants.
Electricity charges will be determined locally by deliberation between state and local officials, which will involve representatives of local residents. According to current international standards, solar generated electricity are usually sold at 25 United States (US) cents per kWh, roughly around Rp3,000 per kWh.
SG WIBISONO
