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Hera Diesel Power Plant
Power plant in Aimeliik, Palau From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Hera Diesel Power Plant is a 119 MW oil-fired generating station on the coast at Hera, about 15 km east of Dili in Timor-Leste. Built under the 2008 National Electricity Project and owned by state utility EDTL, it forms one half of the country's twin-site diesel base load system together with the Betano plant, supplying the bulk of Timor-Leste's grid power and acting as a strategic reserve while policymakers explore gas conversion and expanded renewables.
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Development and commissioning
Construction began in February 2009 after the government selected Hera as the northern hub of its nation-wide electrification programme.[1] Seven generator sets arrived in September 2011,[2] and commercial operation started early in 2012, making Hera the first utility-scale source of baseload power for the northern grid.[3] A 29 September 2017 agreement appointed Wärtsilä to ensure long-term energy availability and undertake full operations and maintenance (O&M).[4]
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Plant configuration and operations
The station uses seven Wärtsilä 18V46 medium-speed reciprocating engines that can run on diesel or heavy fuel oil, giving a net capacity of 119.5 MW and exporting power through a 150 kV switch-yard to the national transmission ring.[5] Together with the 136 MW Betano plant, Hera supplies more than 90 percent of utility electricity and consumes roughly three-quarters of Timor-Leste's imported petroleum.[6][5] Generation costs in 2021 averaged US$0.35–0.45 per kWh—two to three times the regulated tariff—so the fleet operates with substantial government subsidy.[5] An Asian Development Bank study presented in 2023 noted that all engines are technically convertible to natural gas and that EDTL is assessing this option to curb fuel costs and emissions.[6] Wärtsilä continues to hold the O&M contract, renewed in July 2012.[7]
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Environmental, community and economic considerations
In 2011 The New Humanitarian reported that local communities were frustrated by the absence of a published environmental impact assessment and by minimal consultation despite the plant's €300-million cost.[8] The Haburas Foundation attempted, unsuccessfully, to halt construction in court, citing risks from noise, air pollution and possible marine fuel spills.[8] Civil-society groups continue to call for transparent emissions data and clearer hazardous-waste contingency plans.[8] Government energy strategy nonetheless assigns Hera a pivotal role until at least 2035, after which increased solar capacity and potential gas conversion are expected gradually to displace diesel while retaining the engines as rapid-start reserves for grid stability.[6][5]
See also
References
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