PLN to build mini LNG terminal in Batam

State owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) will build a mini liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Batam in order to cope with the gas supply shortage for the company?s power plant on the island, Kontan daily reported Friday.

Suryadi Mardjoeki, the head of the oil fuel and gas division of the electricity company, said that the construction of the mini LNG terminal which would have capacity of 15 million metric standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) would cost Rp 960 billion or about US$100 million.

If the construction could be commenced this year, the LNG terminal would be able to begin commercial operation in 2015, he said.

In addition, through its subsidiary PT Indonesia Power, PLN is currently building nine mini LNG terminals in Bali, East Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, and South Sulawesi. ?The cost for the construction of the nine LNG terminals reaches about $240 million,? he said.

Three of the LNG terminals are expected to begin commercial operation next year. They are located in Bali with a capacity of 20 mmscfd, in Maros, South Sulawesi with capacity of 10 mmscfd and in East Kalimantan with a capacity of 20 mmscfd. The other six LNG terminals are expected to begin operation in 2015.(*)