PGN, KAI Conduct Dynamic Testing on LNG-fueled Train

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - State gas company PGN and state railway operator KAI ran a dynamic testing on liquified natural gas (LNG) as the fuel of a train that serves passengers in Jakarta-Surabaya route. The dynamic testing is part of pilot project in reducing the usage of subsidized diesel fuel.

PGN Strategic and Business Development Director, Heru Setiawan, explained that prior to the dynamic testing, they carried out a static testing on the generator train when the engine was at rest. The test resulted in a better engine performance efficiency compared to when using diesel fuel.

"This success (at the static testing), will be followed by a dynamic testing where the machine will be tested while it's working. This is to confirm the static testing results and the endurance of Diesel Dual Fuel (DDF) system during operation," said Heru in a written statement on Thursday, December 16, 2021.

This project uses the DDF system, where the train operates with the mix of two fuels; gas and diesel, from previously only used diesel. The gas is used as the main fuel, while the diesel as the igniter, as well as assists in lubrication and the combustion chamber cooler.

The use of LNG as the fuel in train operation is hoped to create fuel cost efficiency, lower the gas engine maintenance costs, create the synergy between state-owned companies, utilize freight transportation, and the potential use of KAI's station lands for the use of enviromentally freindly energy (green energy).

Read: PGN Focusing on Efficiency, Return of Investment says Arcandra Tahar

CAESAR AKBAR | Graven (Intern Translator)