Design, manufacture and installation of 150 kV submarine cable system for the Java–Madura interconnection

Abstract

Java now has a totally-integrated 500 kV, 150 kV and 70 kV transmission network, extending for over 1000 km from east to west. Large modern oil and coal-fired power stations, hydropower stations and even a geothermal power station supply this network which enables power to be produced and transmitted cheaply throughout the island. By comparison, the less densely populated islands have to rely on isolated, small, diesel generating plants at each load centre. A power system development study was commissioned by the British Government in 1979 through the Overseas Development Administration (ODA). The study did reveal that there was a potential for load growth and that in the long term, this would best be served by interconnecting the island power systems to the integrated system on Java. The timing of this link would depend on the rate of load growth. As a result of these studies, the 150 kV submarine cable option was selected as being the most economic. Tenders were invited and the contract for the submarine cable was awarded to BICC Supertension Cables Ltd. who manufactured the cables, in consortium with Balfour Kilpatrick Submarine Cable Unit who were responsible for installation and burial. The submarine cable link was officially inaugurated on 24th March 1987 by the Minister of Mines and Energy at a ceremony held in Arosbaya, a small village at the end of the new distribution system 30 km from the cable landing point.