Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources revealed that PT Bukit Asam (Persero) Tbk (PTBA) is still finalizing project options that aim to change coal to be metoximethane (dimethyl ether/ DME). This project is carried out in order to reduce imports of liquefied natural gas (Liquified Petroleum Gas/ LPG).
“Currently, Bukit Asam has carried out quite well the development of the coal project into a DME,” said Director General of Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Ridwan Djamaluddin during a virtual year-end achievement conference with the media crew, Friday (15/1).
Ridwan explained that the actual project completion target is in 2024, but there are two options that are being finalized. First, a project with a production capacity target of 1.4 million DME, 300 thousand methanol and 250 thousand MEG.
This project is worth an investment of US $ 2.98 billion with coal reserves of up to 360 million tons. Later, the project will consume around 8.1 million tons of coal per year.
Second, a project with a production target of 1.4 million DME. Under this option, the estimated coal consumption requirement is probably only 6.5 million tons per year. In addition, the investment value is lower, which is only US $ 2.1 billion.
According to Ridwan, whatever the choice later is according to the planning stage that is being finalized, this project is still important because it aims to reduce gas imports.
“This is an effort to reduce LPG imports by 1 million tons per year or worth approximately Rp. 9.2 trillion per year,” he concluded.
(uli / sfr)
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