PLN Develops LNG Cluster to Back Gas Power Plants in Nusa Tenggara
The LNG cluster facility in Nusa Tenggara is targeted to commence operations in 2029, supplying gas to five power plants with a capacity of 477 MW.
PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) is currently constructing an LNG Logistics Network Cluster in Nusa Tenggara to provide gas for power plants with a combined capacity of 477 megawatts (MW) at five locations. The network is projected to commence operations by mid-2029. Erma Melina Sarahwati, PLN EPI's Director of Gas and Fuel Oil, revealed that the network will extend to Lombok, Sumbawa, and Flores.
She stressed the importance of infrastructure development, as several power plants lack a direct gas pipeline connection and continue to rely on fuel oil, despite their ability to utilize gas.
Erma explained that in Lombok's case, no direct gas supply exists from upstream sources, necessitating the development of midstream infrastructure to supply gas to power plants. The initial phase of the project will see the LNG pipeline network serve PLTMG Lombok Peaker, PLTMG Lombok-2 Sambelia, power plants in Sumbawa, Flores, and Maumere.
These five sites have an average gas demand of 39.8 billion cubic meters. Driven by gasification technology, power plants can replace fuel oil with gas, resulting in enhanced energy efficiency and lower emissions.
To facilitate LNG distribution, PLN EPI is planning to deploy one LNG carrier with a capacity of 22,000 cubic meters, which will make a round trip in approximately 10 days. The ship will supply LNG to the five locations on an alternating basis. The receiving end of the pipeline will consist of LNG tanks and regasification facilities, tailored to the needs of each power plant.
PLTMG Lombok Peaker will have an 8,000 m³ tank and a 32.07 MMSCFD regasification capacity, while PLTMG Lombok-2 Sambelia will have a 5,000 m³ tank with a 23.75 MMSCFD regasification capacity. Sumbawa's infrastructure will feature a 7,500 m³ tank and a 29.29 MMSCFD regasification capacity. Flores will have a 2,500 m³ tank and a 19.08 MMSCFD regasification capacity, while Maumere will have a 4,500 m³ tank with a 9.50 MMSCFD regasification capacity.
According to Erma, the Nusa Tenggara Cluster comprises nine onshore gasification units and two LNG vessels. LNG will be transported by ship from the source, stored, and regasified before reaching the power plants. Erma emphasized that, if the midstream gas is available, the adoption of LNG would not only save fuel oil but also maintain the reliability of the electrical system in Lombok.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
