Gas-fired power generation projects can diversify Indonesia’s energy mix

“Gas-fired power generation can enable greater flexibility to manage peak and off-peak grid demands while advances in technology also allow gas facilities to scale up for baseload generation,” said Jim Schnieders, Country Manager, Indonesia and Director of Black & Veatch’s EPC Power business in Asia. Schnieders was recently appointed Executive Vice President in recognition of Black & Veatch success securing and executing topline and large EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) roles on a number of flagship power generation projects across Southeast Asia.

The company has also been pre-listed in Indonesia to bid across all scales of gas-fired EPC projects including those less than 25 megawatt (MW) through to projects more than 300 MW. The company is qualified for gas turbine and gas engine EPC projects whether open cycle or combined cycle based on notification received from the national electric utility, PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN). 

As more gas supply arrives in Asia from Australia and North America in the coming years, natural gas prices are expected to remain relatively low encouraging more gas-fired power project development.

“Across Southeast Asia, the most significant change we will see is a likely uptick in large scale combined cycle development helping economies to diversify their energy mixes. Coal remains a consideration as some nations continue to strive for full electrification while, alongside this, we’re also experiencing more utilities seeking advice on how to best integrate renewable energy,” said Schnieders.

Gas pipeline infrastructure, however, is relatively underdeveloped in Indonesia. LNG infrastructure presents an alternative option to bypass a reliance on pipelines to transport gas, reducing the overall cost and time to develop gas infrastructure. Growing maritime nations like Indonesia also have an opportunity to plan for integrated LNG receiving terminals and gas-fired power generation in combination.

“Transporting gas cost effectively to demand centres is a significant challenge facing Indonesia gas sector planners,” said Rochman Goswami, Managing Director, Black & Veatch’s Oil & Gas business in Asia. “Developing an LNG receiving terminal alongside a combined cycle power generation as one joined-up project, for example, is one way to improve the economics.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquefaction/08112017/gas-fired-power-generation-projects-can-diversify-indonesias-energy-mix/