Bahlil Tests CNG to Replace 3 Kg LPG, the Pressure of the Tube is Large

Jakarta - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government is still testing the use of CNG as an alternative to 3 kilogram LPG. CNG or compressed natural gas is natural gas that is compressed at high pressure so that it can be stored in a tube.

This was conveyed by Bahlil when he came to the palace to attend a limited meeting led by President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Monday (18/5).

According to Bahlil, the meeting discussed energy issues and natural resource management. One of the agendas discussed was the plan to build a solar power plant or PLTS with a capacity of 100 gigawatt.

"If I'm talking about energy and natural resource management. One of them is also related to 100 gigawatt PLTS," said Bahlil.

However, he has not explained the location of the construction of the PLTS. Bahlil said the details would be conveyed after the discussion was completed.

"Later, when the details are complete, we will convey it," he said.

Regarding LPG alternatives, Bahlil said that the use of CNG is already in place for the needs of 12 kilogram and 20 kilogram cylinders and above. This use has been implemented in hotels, restaurants, and the Free Nutritious Meal or MBG program.

"For 12 kilos and 20 kilos more, it's already working. In hotels, restaurants, at MBG it's already working," said Bahlil.

The government's focus has now shifted to the 3 kilogram cylinder that is widely used by the public. Bahlil said this scheme still needs to be tested because the pressure of the CNG cylinder reaches 250 bar or much higher than the ordinary LPG cylinder.

"This 3 kilogram tube has a large pressure, 250 bar. So this must be checked first," he said.

Bahlil emphasized that the use of CNG for 3 kilogram cylinders could only be continued if it passed the safety test. He said the trial was conducted in two places, namely in China as a factory location and in Indonesia.

"There are two. One, because the factory is in China. And the second is that we will do it in Indonesia," he said.

Bahlil has not confirmed how long the trial process will last. He only said that the testing is still ongoing.