Jakarta – PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) completed a critical hot tap operation on the West Natuna Transportation System (WNTS)-Pemping gas pipeline project, paving the way for gas supplies to reach Batam and support power generation in Sumatra.
The state-owned energy company announced on Thursday, June 18, that the hot tap work, considered the most technically challenging phase of the project, had been completed safely and without disrupting ongoing gas flows through the existing offshore pipeline.
“The implementation of the hot tap, which is the most critical milestone of the WNTS-Pemping project, has proceeded smoothly,” PLN EPI President Director Rakhmad Dewanto said.
He said the achievement demonstrates PLN EPI’s readiness to fulfil its mandate from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to build and operate the pipeline while ensuring reliable, efficient and sustainable gas supplies for power systems in Sumatra and Batam.
The hot tap operation involved connecting a new pipeline to the existing WNTS network while it remained in operation, carrying around 300 million cubic feet of gas per day at a pressure of 1,096 psi. The work was conducted at a depth of 29 metres underwater without causing any gas leakage, making it one of the project’s highest-risk engineering activities.
The milestone marks a historic shift for Indonesia’s energy sector. Gas from the Natuna fields, which has traditionally been exported, is now set to be redirected to serve domestic energy needs, supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen energy security and maximise the use of national resources.
Following the completion of the operation, the project will move into the commissioning stage, with initial gas deliveries of around 25 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) planned to support electricity generation in Batam.
Head of upstream oil and gas regulator SKK Migas, Djoko Siswanto, said preparations are underway to begin commissioning as early as next week.
“God willing, commissioning will start next week. At the same time, SKK Migas is preparing the gas supply so that Natuna gas can flow to the Republic of Indonesia for the first time, something that has been awaited for many years,” Djoko said.
Supporting power reliability
The Natuna gas supply is expected to strengthen fuel availability for PLN-operated power plants in Batam, particularly the 135.29-megawatt combined-cycle gas turbine plant (PLTGU) Tanjung Uncang and the 109.4-MW PLTGU owned by independent power producer PT Energi Listrik Batam (ELB).
PLN EPI has also signed a gas sales agreement with West Natuna Exploration Limited (WNEL) covering supplies of up to 111 million cubic feet per day from 2027 to 2037.
The additional gas supply is expected to reduce reliance on fuel oil-fired generation, improve power system reliability, and contribute to lower emissions.
“Besides supplies from WNEL, PLN EPI hopes to secure additional gas volumes to further improve fuel security for PLN and PLN Batam power plants. Gas is not only more efficient and domestically sourced, but also cleaner than fuel oil,” Rakhmad said.
Boosting Batam’s industrial ambitions
Beyond the electricity sector, the WNTS-Pemping pipeline is expected to provide a reliable energy source for Batam’s rapidly expanding industrial base. With the completion of the hot tap stage, the project is entering its final phase before Natuna gas officially begins flowing to Batam.
The project has employed more than 700 workers across fabrication, offshore, nearshore and onshore activities.
Batam has positioned itself as one of Indonesia’s leading hubs for manufacturing, logistics, data centres and digital economy investments. Stable gas supplies are seen as essential to supporting future industrial growth and enhancing the island’s competitiveness. (nsh)
Banner photo: Image generated by OpenAI’s DALL·E via ChatGPT (2024)
