Sustaining Production: The Story Behind the Libo Field's Electrical Reinforcement

In the oil and gas industry, production is not solely determined by the reserves stored beneath the earth’s surface. Behind every operating well, there is a support system working non-stop, one of which is a reliable electricity supply. This awareness drove PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) to reinforce the electrical infrastructure at the Libo Field in Siak Regency, Riau. Through the Libo Substation Upgrade project, PHR increased the substation’s capacity from 10.5 MVA to 24.5 MVA, an addition of 14 MVA, to support the development of new wells and maintain the sustainability of oil and gas production in the Rokan Working Area. For the Libo Southeast area, the increase in electrical capacity is a non-negotiable requirement. This area is currently a focus for the development of production and injection wells. As drilling and facility operations expand, the demand for electrical power has risen significantly. Various production equipment, from Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) to Water Injection Pumps (WIP), requires a stable energy supply so that oil can be produced optimally. Without adequate electrical support, efforts to boost production would face serious challenges. GM of Zone Rokan, Andre Wijanarko, stated that infrastructure reliability is a crucial foundation for maintaining oil and gas production performance. “Through the Libo Substation Upgrade, PHR ensures a reliable electricity supply to support the operation of new wells and optimise oil and gas production for national energy needs,” he said on Wednesday (15/7/2026). The project also serves as proof of effective collaboration between PHR and its working partners. Together with PT Indokomas Buana Perkasa as the EPC contractor, the project was completed in March 2026, two months ahead of the target set in the 2025 Work Program & Budget (WP&B), which was May 2026. Andre added that completing the system ahead of target is part of PHR’s effort to maintain operational reliability for energy security, as well as a solid foundation for the future of national oil and gas. From a technical perspective, the project included the installation of a 14 MVA power transformer, a 1.4 MVA voltage regulator, new protection and measurement systems, the construction of an electrical control building, and the laying of approximately 2.5 kilometres of distribution cables. All facilities underwent testing and commissioning before becoming fully operational. The Head of SKK Migas Sumbagut, Sebastian Julius, expressed his appreciation for the project’s completion. He noted that upgrading electrical infrastructure is a vital step to support operational reliability and the achievement of production targets in the Rokan Zone. “This infrastructure is very useful for supporting production in the Rokan Zone. Keep up the spirit of ‘one goal’ for reliable, safe, and efficient operations to ensure production reliability,” he said. Amid efforts to maintain national energy security, this project demonstrates that increasing oil and gas production does not always begin with drilling new wells. Sometimes, the crucial steps come from strengthening supporting infrastructure to ensure all facilities can operate safely, reliably, and sustainably. For PHR, the substation with its increased capacity is more than just an electrical facility. It is the driving force behind field operations, ensuring that energy continues to flow so that oil and gas production from the Libo Field can keep contributing to Indonesia’s energy needs.