Jakarta, INTI - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) announced that PT Sarulla Operations Ltd. will make a new investment of approximately USD 270 million to restore the electricity production capacity of the Sarulla geothermal power plant (PLTP).
Sarulla Operations Ltd (SOL) is a joint venture or consortium of Medco Power, INPEX Corporation, Ormat International Inc., ITOCHU Corporation, and Kyushu Electric Power Co.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliot Tanjung, explained that PLTP Sarulla’s electricity production has dropped to around 220 megawatts (MW), even though its installed capacity is 330 MW.
Yuliot stated that PT Sarulla Operations Ltd. is planning to add or attract new investment of up to USD 270 million to restore electricity production to its installed capacity.
"Yes, the installed equipment is 330 MW. However, due to a decrease in steam pressure in the geothermal, the capacity is now around 220 MW. So, to restore the capacity to 330 MW, additional new investment is required," Yuliot said at PLTP Sarulla on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Revitalization will Begin in 2027 or 2028
Furthermore, Yuliot stated that the administrative process for PLTP Sarulla development is targeted for completion by October 2026. After that, the revitalization of PLTP Sarulla is expected to begin no later than 2027–2028.
"So, firstly, we will complete the administrative work by October 2026. Once the administrative work is complete, we will focus on increasing production capacity in 2027 or 2028," Yuliot said.
PLTP Sarulla is located in Tapanuli, North Sumatra, with an installed capacity of 330 MW (3x110 MW). The total investment for PLTP Sarulla is USD 1.7 billion. The electricity generated by PLTP Sarulla is sold to PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero), or PLN, for a 30-year term.
The second amendment to the energy sales contract and joint operation contract (JOC) between SOL, PLN, and PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGEO) was signed on April 4, 2013.
The first unit of PLTP Sarulla began commercial operations in March 2017, the second unit in October 2017, and the third unit in May 2018.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) revealed that PT Sarulla Operations Ltd plans to invest approximately USD 270 million to restore the production capacity of PLTP Sarulla. The power plant capacity has decreased from the installed 330 MW to approximately 220 MW due to a decrease in geothermal steam pressure. Deputy Minister of ESDM Yuliot Tanjung said the development administration process is targeted for completion in October 2026, so that the revitalization of the plant can begin in 2027–2028.
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