Royal HaskoningDHV is developing four mini hydropower plants along the Merawu river in Central Java, Indonesia – the first phase in an agreement with energy investment company TIRASA to develop small scale hydropower plants to connect about 400,000 people to the grid.
The four run-of-river plants will operate in cascade and include 6MW plants at Kerekan and Pandensari, a 2.4MW plant in Watupayang and a 1.2MW plant in Tempuran. A transmission line will connect to the 20 kV grid, and access roads will also be constructed. The impact on the local environment will be small and manageable, said the company, with local communities involved in the process through events and campaigns arranged by TIRASA and the regional government.
“In line with our mission to enhance society together, the impact of these plants will bring wider benefits to the local societies," said Berte Simons, President Director Royal HaskoningDHV Indonesia. "The availability of power will support increased economic activity, and the plants themselves will provide employment locally."
Royal HaskoningDHV has completed a hydrological study and reviewed the local feasibility study, and is now preparing detailed design and tender documents for the plants. The next stage will involve tender assistance and construction management as part of overall responsibility for the entire project life cycle.
The project has involved arranging permits and licenses with local government and energy company and power off-taker, PLN. The $30 million programme expects a return on investment of seven years.