By Febry silaban
PT Supreme Energy said it will invest US$45 million in building the necessary road infrastructure at the Rantau Dedap geothermal exploration project in Lahat Regency, located approximately 225 kilometers from Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province.
The company's President Commissioner, Supramu Santosa told Petromindo.com on Friday that after the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) was signed with state-owned electricity utility PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) in December of 2012, the firm immediately proceeded with the development of roads, which pass through the forest. The company is currently completing the construction of a 15-km road, and widening of existing road.
"The road widening is required for the transportation of drilling rig equipment and piping," he said, adding the road can also be used by local people to transport farm produce.
The geothermal project in Rantau Dedap is developed by a consortium of companies consisting of PT Supreme Energy, GDF Suez and Marubeni Corporation. The consortium will use about 70 hectares of forest areas in Rajabasa to carry out geothermal exploration and production activities to support the company?s plan to build a geothermal power plant with capacity of 2 x 110 megawatt in the area.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
