Indonesia eyes electricity exports to neighboring countries
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Indonesia plans to sell electricity to Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore as the government is targeting greater profitability from several coal mine-mouth power plants that are anticipated to soon be completed in Sumatra.
National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) head Bambang Brodjonegoro said the plan was feasible as the power plants would have excess capacity.
“We can sell the electricity abroad via underwater cables,” the former finance minister said during the ASEAN G2B Infrastructure Investment Forum in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Bambang said electricity demands were huge in peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand, where Indonesia could meet those demands at competitive prices.
“As long as Sumatra’s electricity needs are fulfilled, we can export the excess capacity,” he added.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s administration is targeting to complete its ongoing 35,000 megawatt (MW) electricity procurement program by 2019. Of the target, 7,800 MW will be supplied from mine-mouth power plants.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which countries does Indonesia intend to sell electricity to?
Which countries does Indonesia intend to sell electricity to?
Indonesia plans to sell electricity to Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. These sales are intended to increase profitability from new coal mine-mouth power plants in Sumatra.
Q.Who stated that this plan was feasible and why?
Who stated that this plan was feasible and why?
National Development Planning Board head Bambang Brodjonegoro stated the plan was feasible. He explained that the new power plants in Sumatra would have excess capacity to export.
Q.How will the electricity be transported to the buying countries?
How will the electricity be transported to the buying countries?
The electricity will be sold abroad via underwater cables. This method is planned for exporting power to neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Thailand.
Q.What is the total capacity of the electricity procurement program mentioned?
What is the total capacity of the electricity procurement program mentioned?
The ongoing electricity procurement program aims for a total of 35,000 MW. Of this target, 7,800 MW will be supplied from mine-mouth power plants.
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