Press Release

PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk. (PTBA) is increasingly focusing on transforming the business of coal mining company into a leading provider of electrical energy. If previously sold only coal as an energy source, since 2013, the state-owned company has been selling electricity from his Steam Power Plant (PLTU). Even now was aiming for a power plant project tender.

To the online media, kontan.co.id, on Tuesday (14/6), President Director of PT Bukit Asam Tbk. Ir. Arviyan Arifin said that Bukit Asam will target 5,000 MW, or approximately 15% of the total capacity of 35,000 MW crash program, which is being rolled. "If given the opportunity, we are able to work up to 5,000 MW," said Arviyan.

Kontan.co.id also reported that the current PTBA already won one project namely, Sumsel 8 power plant with a capacity of 2x620 MW. In this project PTBA cooperating with China Huadian, a company from Hongkong. The two companies then formed a subsidiary called PT Bukit Asam Huadian Power.

In addition, there are still some plant projects that are being targeted this company. For example mine mouth power plant project in North Sumatra in cooperation with PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (Inalum) with a capacity of 1,200 MW.

PTBA is also aiming Peranap Mine Mouth power plant project, Riau capacity of 2x600 MW. "We are also bidding for mine mouth power plant in South Sumatra 9-10. We're ready," Arviyan said as quoted kontan.co.id.

He is optimistic that PTBA coal production could sustain the needs of power plant fuel will be under management. Understandably, the current mining concessions PTBA have the resources of 8 billion tonnes of coal. While proven reserves of 3.3 billion tons of coal.

Waiting fot PLN LoI

About PLTU Sumsel 8 project, though already pocketed the project, PTBA has not been able to work on the project. PTBA still waiting PLN issued an expression of interest or a letter of interest on projects for High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Transmission power of 500 kilo volt to Sumatra to Java.

Arviyan said, as quoted by kontan.co.id, the letter is important, because a guarantee the continuation of the project in accordance with the Business Plan Electric Provider (RUPTL) 2016-2024. "We hope to get out so quickly realized. The project is also targeted to be operational in 2019," said Arviyan.

Previously, PLN refusing to carry out the project because the project HVDC transmission is only one way and only benefit of Java.

But then, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) states, HVDC project is a two-way flow and favorable Sumatra and Java. The final decision, in a meeting held on Tuesday (14/6), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Commission VII of the House agreed to resume HVDC project.