PLN seeking to replace gas supply from Kambuna field

State utility company PT PLN said it is currently seeking to replace gas supply from Kambuna gas-condensate field in offshore North Sumatera, owned by Salamander Energy Plc because the gas in the field is expected to deplete in 2012.

?Gas supply from Kambuna field will deplete in 2012,? PLN division head for fuel and gas M Suryadi Mardjoeki said.

To replace the gas supply, PLN is currently negotiating with PT Energy Mega Persada to secure gas supply at a volume of 50 million cubic feet per day (MMSCFD).

?We are still waiting for certainty of gas allocation from BPMIGAS,? he said, referring to the upstream oil and gas regulator.

At present gas supply from Kambuna field to PLTGU Belawan power plant is at 28 billion British thermal unit per day (BBUTD). The gas supply volume is expected to decline to 14 BBTUD in June 2012 and zero at end 2012.

The Kambuna field commenced production in August 2009.

Salamander has admitted earlier that based on initial down-hole pressure data recorded in one of the Kambuna wells, the rate of pressure decline in the main Belumai reservoir in the central area of the field implies a volume of recoverable gas lower than determined in previous reserve assessments. (bernard)