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PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2600 MW Coal

Coal

The PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2 is a key infrastructure asset in Indonesia's power generation grid, located on the continent of Asia. Designated as a fossil fuel electricity generation station, the facility features an installed capacity of 600 MW. Its primary operation relies on harnessing coal energy resources to generate bulk electricity. Operational management and ownership of the facility are handled by the PT. Sumber Segara Primadaya, which oversees daily maintenance and grid dispatch integration. The facility was officially connected to the commercial grid in 1988, since which it has maintained regular output, playing a structured role in domestic power supply security. In terms of domestic production capacity within Indonesia, PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2 occupies the #26 position among all operational coal power plants. Its 600 MW capacity represents a 1.26% share of Indonesia's total installed coal generating capacity, which currently stands at 47,804 MW. The largest operational coal installation in Indonesia is the PLTU Paiton I Unit 7 & 8 with an output of 5,355 MW, making the PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2 approximately 8.9 times smaller by comparison. Across all fuel types and electricity generation technologies country-wide, this facility accounts for 0.5545% of Indonesia's aggregate generation capacity of 108,203 MW. Based on historical capacity factors characteristic of coal power plants (modeled at 55% for analysis), the facility's expected annual electricity generation is calculated at approximately 2,890,800 MWh. Applying domestic consumption statistics where an average household in Indonesia consumes 3 MWh of electricity annually, this level of production is sufficient to meet the energy demands of roughly 963,600 homes. By utilizing traditional thermal power processes, the station delivers reliable dispatchable energy to the grid, supporting grid resilience during periods of low renewable resource availability and satisfying industrial base-load demands. The physical site of the station is located at geographic coordinates -7.7513° latitude and 109.0186° longitude. Analysis of local grid infrastructure shows a density of other assets within a 50-kilometer radius. These nearby facilities include the Cilacap Power Plant (gas-fired, 2260 MW), the PLTU Cilacap (coal-fired, 2121 MW), the Cilacap Sumber power station (coal-fired, 1260 MW), representing a cluster of localized power assets. This geographic placement is vital for reinforcing regional distribution infrastructure and minimizing transmission line losses across this sector of Indonesia.

Capacity
600 MW
Commissioning Year
1988

38 years old

Owner
PT. Sumber Segara Primadaya
Location
-7.7513°, 109.0186°

Indonesia, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: -7.751300, 109.018600
Open in Google Maps
Carbon Footprint820 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
2.37 Mt
2891 GWh/year × 820 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
90.08 Mt
Over 38 years of operation
Closing Soon
2028
2 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
515.3K
cars per year
316.1K
homes per year
107.7M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Coal emission factor (820 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (55%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Coal
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Indonesia
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

Overview of PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2: Indonesia's Coal-Fired Power Generation Facility

PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2 is a coal-fired power plant located in Cilacap, Indonesia, with a total installed capacity of 600 megawatts (MW). Owned by PT. Sumber Segara Primadaya, this facility plays a crucial role in Indonesia's energy sector, contributing significantly to the country's electricity generation, particularly in the Java-Bali grid, which is the most populous and industrialized region in the nation. The plant's operational capabilities are essential for meeting the growing energy demands of Indonesia, supporting both residential and industrial consumers while aiding in the country's economic development.

The power plant utilizes coal as its primary fuel source, which is a common choice for energy generation in Indonesia due to the country's abundant coal reserves. Coal-fired power plants like PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2 convert the thermal energy released from burning coal into electrical energy through a steam turbine process. In this system, coal is burned in a boiler to produce steam, which then drives a turbine connected to a generator. This technology allows for large-scale electricity production, but it also raises concerns regarding environmental impacts and sustainability.

The environmental implications of coal-fired power generation are significant. While PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2 provides a reliable energy supply, the combustion of coal releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, and other pollutants, including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can contribute to air quality deterioration and climate change. Furthermore, mining and transporting coal can lead to habitat destruction and other ecological disturbances. As Indonesia continues to strive for a more sustainable energy mix, the challenge remains to balance the immediate energy needs of the population with the long-term environmental goals.

Regionally, PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2 holds strategic importance as it enhances energy security in Central Java and supports the national grid's stability. The plant not only provides a vital source of electricity for local industries but also plays a role in stabilizing supply during peak demand periods. The facility's operation supports economic activities in surrounding areas, contributing to job creation and regional development.

As Indonesia moves towards diversifying its energy portfolio and increasing the share of renewable energy sources, the role of coal-fired plants like PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2 is being scrutinized. The government is actively promoting the adoption of cleaner technologies and renewable energy solutions, which will shape the future landscape of energy generation in the country. Despite the ongoing transition, PLTU Cilacap 1 & 2 remains a key player in the current energy framework, reflecting both the challenges and demands of Indonesia's power sector.

IndonesiaEnergy Profile

297
Total Plants
108.2 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalHydroGeothermal
Top Fuels

Understanding Coal as a Power Generation Energy Source

Coal has long been a cornerstone of electricity generation worldwide, with a significant presence in the global energy landscape. As of recent data, there are approximately 2,608 coal power plants operating across 74 countries, boasting a total installed capacity of 2,257.3 gigawatts (GW). The leading nations in coal power generation include China, with 1,018 plants generating 1,038.0 GW, India with 287 plants at 253.3 GW, and the United States with 291 plants producing 252.0 GW. Other notable contributors include Germany and Japan, with 130 plants and 76.8 GW, and 61 plants and 63.9 GW, respectively. This widespread utilization reflects the essential role coal has played in the development of industrial and residential power systems globally.

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