Aussie firms win Java power projects

Aussie firms win Java power projects

SYDNEY (UPI): Two leading Australian engineering companies have landed contracts worth US$95 million to provide electrical infrastructure assistance to Indonesia, officials said yesterday.

The two companies -- Gec Alsthom and Abb Ept Ltd. -- won the million dollar contracts which range from nine months to two years.

"We are over the moon and extremely happy over the deal which will create more jobs in Sydney," Abb Ept financial director Dieter Beck told United Press International (UPI).

"Our company will build the power lines and Gec will construct the sub-stations for the Indonesians," he said.

Australian government minister for development cooperation Gordon Bilney said that power shortages are hindering economic growth and restricting Indonesia's capacity to improve living standards -- especially in Jakarta and West Java where the projects will take place.

Electricity consumption has been increasing about 16 percent each year and the state-owned electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), had been unable to meet the growing demand.

"Now two Australian companies will help meet the demand for energy by providing electricity substations and transmission lines," Bilney said.