MEL switches on 3.4-MW Pungga hydropower plant in Indonesia

This marks its first commercial operation since J-POWER took 27.23% stake in 2024.

PT Mulya Energi Lestari (MEL), an Indonesian hydropower developer backed by Electric Power Development Co. (J-POWER), has started commercial operations at the 3.4-megawatt (MW) Pungga hydropower plant in North Sumatra.

In a statement, the company said the Pungga project is the first to enter commercial operation since J-POWER acquired a 27.23% stake in MEL in November 2024.

The run-of-river plant began commercial operations on 26 June after construction finished earlier in the month. It draws water from the Pungga River in Humbang Hasundutan Regency, south of Lake Toba.

Pungga is MEL's second operating hydropower plant after the 12-MW Sion project, which entered commercial operation in August 2020. Construction of the Pungga plant started in March 2023.

MEL, which was established in 2016 and is based in Jakarta, develops, builds, and operates hydropower plants in Indonesia.

Pungga forms part of MEL's portfolio of run-of-river hydropower projects in North Sumatra and is one of two currently in operation. One project is under construction, whilst the remaining three are under development.

The Tomuan project, with a capacity of 14.6MW, is scheduled to start operations in 2027, whilst the Kombih, Mulana, and Simolap projects are expected to enter operation between 2029 and 2030.

The operating projects supply electricity to Indonesia's state-owned utility PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara, whilst the remaining projects are expected to do so once completed.

"As outlined in 'J-POWER BLUE MISSION 2050', J-POWER will continue to work with MEL to contribute to the expansion of renewable energy, the stable supply of electricity, and the reduction of environmental impact in Indonesia," J-POWER said in the statement.