PT Pertamina (Persero) through its unit, PT Pertamina Hulu Rokan (PHR) continues to ensure its readiness in managing the Rokan Work Area (WA) by cooperating with PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to support oil and gas production operations.

Pertamina and PLN made a concrete form of synergy between the two through the Electricity and Steam Power Sale and Purchase Agreement (ESPSPA) signed on February 1, 2021.

Pertamina Senior Vice President for Corporate Communication & Investor Relations Agus Suprijanto said the synergy of national electricity SOEs would create more efficient operations.

"We believe the electricity supply from PLN is more reliable with the construction of an interconnection network of systems and substations and it also can be backed up from other power plants. So, it increases the electricity supply capacity for the operational activities of WA Rokan," he said in Jakarta, Tuesday (23/3).

Based on current data, with average production in the range of 161,000 barrels per day, WA Rokan requires an electricity supply of up to 400 Megawatts (MW) and steam of 335,000 standard barrels per day (MBSPD).

With the signing of this ESPSPA, PLN will carry out two stages to ensure that the WK Rokan operation's electricity supply is safely available.

The first phase consists of a transitional period utilizing the existing power plant, which will last for three years, starting August 9, 2021. The second phase, consisting of a permanent service period, will rely on PLN's generators and grids, beginning in 2024.

On the other hand, as the holding company, Pertamina will also oversee the performance of PHR to ensure the transfer of management of WA Rokan runs well. Pertamina overseeing will maintain national oil and gas production, bearing in mind that around 25% of national oil and gas production comes from WA Rokan.

The production is obtained from five large fields, namely Duri Minas, Bangko, Balam South, and Petapahan, spread across five districts in Riau Province.

Pertamina realizes that the WKWA Rokan Block is already mature. Therefore, Pertamina will take advantage of the latest technology and has prepared a long-term program to curb the decline in oil production in the WA Rokan Block.

Several efforts were also made to maintain the WA Rokan Block's production, including preparing and completing the licensing process, transferring workers, ensuring the transfer of goods and services contracts, and data transfer from existing operators went smoothly.

"Pertamina continues to build communication with the Government to ensure the smooth investment of the PHR drilling program in the WA Rokan Block throughout 2021, namely 84 wells consisting of 44 development wells and 40 additional wells," said Agus.