North Papua Gets Boost with New Gas Distribution Project
A major gasification project is set to transform the energy landscape of northern Papua, Indonesia, with the signing of a Joint Development Agreement (JDA). This collaborative effort aims to bolster energy security and sustainability in the region while supporting Indonesia’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
A Partnership for Progress
The agreement was signed on December 2nd between PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI), the provincial government of Papua, and a consortium of industry leaders. This strategic partnership marks a significant step toward securing a reliable and efficient energy supply for North Papua.
“This project not only builds crucial gas infrastructure but also fosters strong synergy among various parties. This collaboration is pivotal in ensuring a secure energy supply for Eastern Indonesia,” said Iwan Agung Firstantara, Main Director of PLN EPI. “The signing of this JDA gives us confidence that we can move forward expeditiously with design, funding, and construction.”
Powering a Sustainable Future
PLN EPI, as Indonesia’s leading provider of primary energy for electricity generation, is committed to
developing a reliable and sustainable energy ecosystem. “By prioritizing natural gas as a cleaner energy source, we are actively contributing to reducing carbon emissions. This project aligns perfectly with our goals and reinforces our position as a catalyst in Indonesia’s journey towards Net Zero Emissions by 2060,” added Firstantara.
“We firmly believe that gas will play a vital role as a transition energy, helping us to significantly reduce carbon emissions. This project will not only strengthen energy security in North Papua but also support Indonesia’s broader sustainable energy transition targets,” he emphasized.
Reinforcing Energy Infrastructure
The ambitious North Papua gasification project is designed to support the operation of seven key power plants, collectively generating 168 MW of electricity. To meet the projected demand, the project will require an average annual gas supply of 20.83 BBTUD over the next two decades.
To ensure a stable and efficient gas supply, two essential infrastructures will be developed – Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs) in Jayapura and Biak, and Onshore Storage Facilities in Manokwari and Nabire.
Multiple Beneficiaries
The seven power plants slated to receive gas supplies are: PLTMG Manokwari 2 (20 MW), MPP Nabire (23 MW), PLTMG Nabire 2 (10 MW), MPP Jayapura (50 MW), PLTMG Jayapura Peaker (40 MW), PLTMG Biak (15 MW), and PLTMG Biak 2 (
10 MW).
This joint venture brings together PLN EPI, the provincial government of Papua, and a consortium comprising PT Pertamina Internasional Shipping, PT PGN LNG Indonesia, PT Enviromate Technology International, and PT APCA Tirta Engineering. Their combined expertise will be instrumental in all aspects of the project, including technical validation, engineering design, licensing, financial modeling, and comprehensive project management.
A Relay for National Growth
“This project
presents a remarkable opportunity to strengthen national energy security. By harnessing the console’s experience and technical expertise, we are confident that this project will yield substantial benefits, not only for the energy sector but also for the people of Papua,” said Eka Suhendra,
Business Planning Director of PT Pertamina Internasional Shipping.
What specific economic development opportunities will this project create for the people of North Papua?
## Interview: Powering Papua’s Future
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show today, Mr. Firstantara. Can you tell our viewers about this exciting new gas distribution project in North Papua?
**Iwan Agung Firstantara, Main Director of PLN EPI:** Thank you for having me. This project is a major step forward for North Papua and Indonesia as a whole. We’ve just signed a Joint Development Agreement with the provincial government and industry partners to bring reliable and sustainable energy to the region.
**Interviewer:** What does this project entail?
**Firstantara:** It involves building critical gas infrastructure, including pipelines and processing facilities. This will allow us to efficiently transport and distribute natural gas throughout North Papua, providing a clean and reliable energy source for homes and businesses.
**Interviewer:** Why is natural gas a key component of this project?
**Firstantara:** Natural gas is a considerably cleaner-burning fuel than coal or oil, which helps us significantly reduce carbon emissions. As Indonesia transitions towards a more sustainable energy future, natural gas plays a vital role as a bridge fuel, helping us lower our carbon footprint while still meeting the growing energy demands of the country.
**Interviewer:** This project seems to be about more than just energy, doesn’t it?
**Firstantara:** Absolutely. This collaboration emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships. PLN EPI, the provincial government, and our industry partners are working together to ensure a secure and sustainable energy supply for Eastern Indonesia. This project will create jobs, stimulate economic development, and improve the quality of life for the people of North Papua.
**Interviewer:** When can residents expect to see the benefits of this project?
**Firstantara:** We are working diligently to move forward expeditiously with design, funding, and construction. While there is much work to be done, this JDA signals a firm commitment from all parties involved. We are optimistic that the first phase of the project will be operational within the next few years.
