Power cuts affect Semen Padang plant, Indonesia
The power cuts imposed on West Sumatra since May 2009 has caused a great deal of loss to Indonesian state cement maker PT Semen Padang (PT SP), the biggest cement plant in Sumatra, corporate secretary Benny Wendri said Thursday.
He did not elaborate, except saying that production has declined, and there was an increase in dust flying around the plant causing engines to stop abruptly.
The factory has five production units which at least needed 70-80MW to operate.
PLN spokesman for West Sumatra Asril Kalis said earlier the power cuts were necessary because capacity was 100-110MW short during peak load hours during which 360-370MW would be needed, and during the day the deficit reached 50MW.
The power shortfall was caused by the long dry spell, and the routine maintenance of a number of power plants in the central parts of Sumatra (Sumbagteng).
During the drought the hydro-power plants (PLTAs) underwent a drop in the water elevation of their reservoirs, he said. Published under Cement News
