PLN EPI Starts Building Gasification Project Infrastructure In Nias
PT PLN (Persero) through the subholding of PT PLN Energi Primary Indonesia (PLN EPI) officially started the construction of the Nias Cluster gasification infrastructure, marked by laying the first stone or groundbreaking at the Nias Gas Engine Power Plant (PLTMG) on Thursday, July 3.
The Director General of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Jisman P. Hutajulu, said that this project is a strategic step to reduce dependence on imports of fuel oil (BBM) while strengthening national energy security, in line with the roadmap for energy transition in the General Plan for National Electricity (RUKN).
"Groundbreaking gasification at the Nias PLTMG is not only to deliver reliable and affordable electricity, but also to strengthen the local economy and national energy resilience," said Jisman in a statement to the media, Monday, July 7.
He added, as part of this strategy, PLN has also prepared the development of six gasification clusters in various regions, including Nias, Sulawesi-Maluku, Nusa Tenggara, North Papua, South Papua, and Kalimantan.
PLN President Director, Darmawan Prasodjo, said that with a power reserve of 20 megawatts (MW) or about 43 percent of the peak load, the Nias electricity system is considered sufficient to support the growth of the fisheries, tourism, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
"This gasification is estimated to save around IDR 72.4 billion per year, and can reach IDR 153 billion per year when operating fully. This efficiency opens a new investment space and supports the growth of Nias electricity consumption which rose 11 percent, the highest in Sumatra," said Darmawan.
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Meanwhile, the President Director of PLN EPI, Rakhmad Dewanto explained, this project includes the construction of a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage tank with a capacity of 3,000 cubic meters (m3) with a regasification capacity of up to 13 Million Standard Cubic Feets per Day (MMSCFD). This infrastructure will support the operation of PLTMG with an initial capacity of 35 megawatts (MW) which will be increased to 59 MW.
Rakhmad explained that this project has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent, equivalent to 29,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year in the early stages, and up to 47,000 tons of CO2 when full capacity is reached.
"We really hope for support from all stakeholders so that this project runs smoothly and provides tangible benefits for more than 150 thousand customers in Nias," concluded Rakhmad.