PLN hopes to receive gas from Simenggaris Block in 2015

By Godang Sitompul

State-owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) hopes that its PLTGU Tanjung Batu combined cycle power plant in East Kalimantan to start receiving gas from the Simenggaris Block in 2015 when the processing and transportation facilities are ready.

Suryadi Mardjoeki, Head of Fuel and Gas Division at PLN, said that the gas from the Simenggaris Block, located in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, will be first converted into LNG.

He said that the company has appointed PT Perta Daya Gas, a joint venture between PT Pertagas and PT Indonesia Power, to convert the gas into LNG and transport it to the PLTGU Tanjung Batu. ?They all will be ready in 2015,? Suryadi told Petromindo.com on Wednesday.

PLN said last year that it expected to secure 25 mmscfd of gas from the Simenggaris Block, operated by JOB Pertamina Hulu Energi-Medco EP Simenggaris.

Separately, Corporate Secretary of PT Pertagas, Eko said that his company supports PLN?s plan to convert the Simenggaris gas into LNG. He said that the company plans to build mini LNG storage facility to realize the plan.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak