PGN States WNTS Pemping Will Supply 30 BBTUD of Gas for Batam's Needs
PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) has stated that gas supply from the West Natuna Transportation System (WNTS) on Pemping Island will strengthen energy supply with an allocation of approximately 30 BBTUD (billion British thermal units daily) to meet Batam’s requirements.
Area Head of PGN Batam Wendi Purwanto explained that the total gas allocation from WNTS reaches 110 BBTUD.
“The total gas allocation is 110 BBTUD. The gas will be channelled from West Natuna to Pemping Island, then forwarded to Batam through existing pipeline networks. Approximately 80 BBTUD is for PLN’s requirements and 30 BBTUD for requirements on Batam Island,” he said in Batam on Friday.
He stated that if the existing pipeline capacity from Pemping to Batam proves insufficient, PGN will build additional infrastructure to ensure optimal distribution.
“Currently there is a pipeline from Pemping to Batam; if it is still insufficient, we will build another one,” he said.
For context, piped gas supply to Batam is currently sourced from the Sumatran region, namely the WK Corridor, Jadestone, and Jambi Merang. However, a number of these sources are experiencing natural decline, which could potentially affect gas availability in Batam.
“Sumatera is still supplying Batam. With this addition from WNTS, it is intended to supplement, not replace, the supply from Sumatera,” said Wendi.
Regarding the project assignment from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), he explained that there are two aspects: the assignment for building WNTS Pemping pipelines and gas allocation.
Wendi stated that for pipeline infrastructure development, the assignment letter has been returned to PGN. However, the gas allocation of 110 BBTUD is currently directed to PLN.
“PGN focuses on infrastructure and downstream operations, meaning building networks and distributing gas to customers,” he said.
With additional supply from WNTS via Pemping, it is hoped that energy requirements for industry in Batam can be met.