Natuna Gas One Step Closer to Flowing to Batam
PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) has successfully completed a key phase in the construction of natural gas infrastructure by connecting the West Natuna Transportation System (WNTS)-Pemping pipeline section. The completion of this work is a strategic step to accelerate the distribution of natural gas from Natuna to Batam to support the energy needs of industry and the public.
PLN EPI President Director Rakhmad Dewanto stated that the successful pipeline connection using the hot-tap method, which does not require shutting down the existing network operations, was the most crucial phase of the project. This infrastructure will connect Natuna’s natural gas sources with domestic energy needs, particularly in the Batam and Sumatra regions.
According to him, this achievement not only strengthens national energy security but also marks a significant milestone because, for the first time, natural gas from Natuna, which has largely been utilised for the export market, will be channelled to meet domestic energy needs.
“For the first time, Natuna natural gas, which has so far been entirely utilised for the export market, will begin to be channelled to meet domestic energy needs, specifically supporting the electricity systems in Sumatra and Batam,” said Rakhmad.
The hot-tap process itself is a technique for connecting a new pipe to a main network that remains operational without stopping the gas flow. This work was carried out on a high-pressure pipeline with a flow rate of approximately 300 million cubic feet per day at a sea depth of 29 metres, making it one of the stages with a high level of complexity and technical risk. The successful completion of this work signals the project’s readiness to enter the final phase before gas delivery begins. PLN EPI considers this achievement a reflection of the project’s technical readiness and the result of synergy among various parties in supporting the development of strategic national energy infrastructure.
Next, the project will enter the commissioning and initial gas delivery phase with a volume of approximately 25 million cubic feet per day intended to meet the needs of the electricity system in Batam.
Head of SKK Migas, Djoko Siswanto, said his agency is preparing gas supplies to support the commissioning process. He expressed hope that Natuna gas can soon flow to Indonesia after years of anticipation.
For PLN EPI, the arrival of gas supply from Natuna will strengthen the availability of primary energy for several power plants in Batam and Sumatra, including plants in the Tanjung Uncang area. In addition to increasing the reliability of electricity supply, the use of natural gas is also considered more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to fuel oil. PLN EPI itself has signed a gas sale and purchase agreement with West Natuna Exploration Limited for a supply of up to 111 million cubic feet of gas per day for the 2027-2037 period.
Beyond supporting the electricity sector, the construction of the WNTS-Pemping pipeline is expected to strengthen Batam’s competitiveness as a national industrial, logistics, and investment zone. The infrastructure is considered an important foundation for the growth of the manufacturing sector, industry, and the digital economy, which require reliable and sustainable energy supplies.
The project has also generated an economic impact through the involvement of more than 700 workers in various stages of work, from fabrication to offshore and onshore construction. With the completion of the hot-tap stage, the project is now entering the final phase before Natuna natural gas officially flows to support national energy security and regional economic growth.