PLN to operate Jakabaring CNG end of month

By Godang Sitompul

State-owned electricity company PLN is hopeful that the Jakabaring compressed natural gas (CNG) facility in South Sumatra could be operated by end of this month. The company is currently waiting for the necessary gas supply from Pertagas.

The 3.5 mmscfd capacity CNG facility will be used to run PLN?s 50 MW Jakabaring gas-fired power plant, thus reducing the use of the more pricey petroleum-based fuel by as much as 80 kilo liters per day.

?The Jakabaring CNG will start operation at the end of this month. It?s now waiting for the gas supply from Pertagas,? PLN?s Head of Fuel and Gas Division, Suryadi Mardjoeki, told Petromindo.com Tuesday.

Suryadi added that in 2013, PLN plans to complete the construction of four CNG facilities. This includes the 4.5 mmscfd Sei Gelam CNG in February or March; 17 mmscfd Grati CNG in March or April; and the 20 mmscfd Muara Tawar and Tambak Lorok at the end of 2013.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak