The Sumsel-8 Mine Mouth Steam Power Plant has entered the commissioning stage. Also known as PLTU Tanjung Lalang, the plant was built by PT Huadian Bukit Asam Power (HBAP), a strategic collaboration between PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) and China Huadian Hongkong Company Ltd (CHDHK).

The distribution of electric voltage (Energize) for the PLN Backfeeding Power from the 275 kV SUTET line Lumut Balai-Muara Enim to PLTU Tanjung Lalang was successfully completed on May 7, 2023. All machines and equipment were then tested for functionality before going into operation.

"The success of the Backfeeding stage is very important for carrying out the clean reliable capacity test (NDC Test), which is expected to be completed in July 2023 for the First Unit generator. The Commercial Operation Date (COD) is expected in September 2023," said PT Bukit Asam Tbk President Director, Arsal Ismail.

Using super critical technology which is efficient and environmentally friendly, PLTU Sumsel-8 is part of the 35,000 MW Power Plant Development Program.

In addition, Sumsel-8 Steam Power Plant also implements flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology to reduce sulfur dioxide from the exhaust gas emissions of coal-fired power plants.

The investment value of the Sumsel-8 PLTU project reaches USD 1.68 billion. The amendments to the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and Coal Supply Agreement (CSA) for the Power Plant project with a capacity of 2x660 Megawatts (MW) have been signed by PLN and PTBA together with HBAP.

PLTU Tanjung Lalang can take in PTBA's annual coal production of more than 5 million tons when it is fully operational.