Hera Diesel Power Plant
| Hera Diesel Power Plant | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Country | Timor-Leste |
| Location | Cristo Rei, Dili |
| Coordinates | 8°32′24.7″S 125°41′24.5″E / 8.540194°S 125.690139°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | February 2009 |
| Commission date | December 2011 |
| Operator | Wärtsilä |
| Thermal power station | |
| Primary fuel | Diesel fuel |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 119 MW |
| External links | |
| Commons | Related media on Commons |
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.
Development and commissioning
[edit]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]
Plant configuration and operations
[edit]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]
Environmental, community and economic considerations
[edit]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
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Power Plant and National Electrical Grid 2008-2009: Mega-project or mega-problem?". The Timor-Leste Institute for Development Monitoring and Analysis (La'o Hamutuk). Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Government receives seven generators for the Hera power station". Government of Timor-Leste. 5 September 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ "Hera power station". Global Energy Monitor Wiki. Global Energy Monitor. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ Wärtsilä Corporation (29 September 2017). "Wärtsilä to ensure energy availability in Timor-Leste". Wärtsilä. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Production and Renewable Energy Department". Electricidade de Timor-Leste EP. February 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ^ a b c Shim, Euna (15 June 2023). Creating a Utility-Scale Solar IPP Project in Timor-Leste (PDF). Asia Clean Energy Forum 2023. Manila: Asian Development Bank. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
- ^ Wärtsilä Corporation (10 July 2012). "Wärtsilä awarded Operations & Maintenance contract for power plant in Timor-Leste". Wärtsilä. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
- ^ a b c Brady, Brendan (23 September 2011). "Timor-Leste: Communities left in dark over controversial power plant". The New Humanitarian. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
