Jakarta – PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) is utilising natural gas as a clean energy source to strengthen energy security in North Papua. This step is realised through strategic cooperation with Papua Bersama Consortium through signing a Joint Development Agreement (JDA), according to PLN in a statement on Thursday, December 5.
Papua Bersama Consortium, which consists of PT Pertamina International Shipping, PT PGN LNG Indonesia, PT Enviromate Technology International, and PT APCA Tirta Engineering, plays a role in technical planning, licensing, and project management.
PLN EPI President Director Iwan Agung Firstantara emphasised that the North Papua gasification project is an important part of the national energy transition effort while ensuring the security of energy supply in eastern Indonesia.
The project is designed to meet North Papua’s energy needs for the next two decades. With an average gas supply requirement of 20.83 BBTUD, PLN EPI and its partners will build key infrastructure such as Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRU) in Jayapura and Biak and onshore storage facilities in Manokwari and Nabire.
“Seven major power plants in North Papua will be operated using natural gas, replacing more expensive and less environmentally friendly fuel oil. The total capacity reaches 168 MW,” Iwan said.
This project will benefit the plants PLTMG Manokwari 2 (20 MW), MPP Nabire (23 MW), PLTMG Nabire 2 (10 MW), MPP Jayapura (50 MW), PLTMG Jayapura Peaker (40 MW), PLTMG Biak (15 MW), and PLTMG Biak 2 (10 MW).
PLN EPI sees gas as an ideal solution for the national energy transition towards the Net Zero Emission target by 2060. “Gas is an efficient and environmentally friendly energy source. Through this project, we want to show that energy transition can be done without compromising the community’s need for affordable electricity,” Iwan said.
The project is also expected to positively impact development in North Papua, including creating new jobs and improving people’s quality of life through reliable electricity supply. However, Iwan acknowledges that the project has challenges, especially in infrastructure development in geographically difficult-to-reach areas. (Hartatik)
