Hera Diesel Power Plant

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Hera Diesel Power Plant
2020-12-02 Hera Kraftwerk.jpg
Hera Diesel Power Plant
Country Timor-Leste
Location Cristo Rei, Dili
Coordinates 8°32′24.7″S125°41′24.5″E / 8.540194°S 125.690139°E / -8.540194; 125.690139
StatusOperational
Construction beganFebruary 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
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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.

Contents

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]

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]

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

  1. ↑ "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.
  2. ↑ "Government receives seven generators for the Hera power station". Government of Timor-Leste. 5 September 2011. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  3. ↑ "Hera power station". Global Energy Monitor Wiki. Global Energy Monitor. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  4. ↑ Wärtsilä Corporation (29 September 2017). "Wärtsilä to ensure energy availability in Timor-Leste". Wärtsilä. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Production and Renewable Energy Department". Electricidade de Timor-Leste EP. February 2021. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 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.
  7. ↑ Wärtsilä Corporation (10 July 2012). "Wärtsilä awarded Operations & Maintenance contract for power plant in Timor-Leste". Wärtsilä. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  8. 1 2 3 Brady, Brendan (23 September 2011). "Timor-Leste: Communities left in dark over controversial power plant". The New Humanitarian. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
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