JAKARTA: US-based technology company General Electric ( GE ) is interested in placing more bids for Indonesia’s 35,000-megawatt electrification project, describing the mega-project as ‘attractive’.
The company has participated in almost every tender for the 35,000-megawatt program, said GE power systems director George Djohan. One project they have already won is the US$100 million turbine for the 100 MW power plant in Gorontalo. That project is already underway.
“For suppliers from all around the world, this project is attractive, because this is one of the biggest electrification projects in the world,” he told thejakartapost.com on Thursday.
GE provides power plant equipment such as turbines, boilers and solar panels. With an increased product range including steam XXX steam XXX and solar panels after acquiring Alstom Power in December last year, GE Indonesia is keen on getting involved in more power plant projects.
Around 30 percent of existing power plants in Indonesia use products made by GE, according to George. “Previously our contribution was around 20 percent, but with Alstom it has grown to 30 percent,” he said.
He admitted that GE was sometimes defeated by Japanese and Chinese companies as they were backed by their governments. “They bring funding and technology in package deals. If they finance the power plant, they oblige Indonesia to use their suppliers,” George said.
As for the 35,000 MW project, GE is optimistic it can win the contracts as its products have comparative advantages. “Currently we are participating in Riau Picker, Jawa I, Jawa-Bali III and other projects. We have cutting-edge products and we are optimistic about winning more tenders,” he said.
