Potential of Natural Gas

Natural gas, most of which shaped of Methane (CH₄), is a non-renewable resources. Natural gas has become an alternative energy source, which is widely used by the people in the world,  because of the natural gas produced energy more efficiently. In the economy sector, natural gas has become a competitive commodity, besides the other commodities such as petroleum or coal. Indonesia, which is one of the largest natural gas producer in the world,  with total reserves of natural gas based on the ministry of energy and mineral resouces totaled 170.07 TCF (trillion cubic Ft), has a big opportunity in utilizing the potential of natural gas in order to develop their economic condition. In  general, the utilization of natural gas divided into 3 groups: natural gas as fuel, natural gas as raw material production, and natural gas for export commodities.

Natural gas can be processed into fuel, which can help human beings to do their activities. Natural gas which can be processed into fuel is CNG and LPG. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is an alternative fuel besides gasoline or diesel. In Indonesia, we know of CNG as a fuel gas. This fuel is considered more 'clean' than two fuel oil, because it dump gas emissions that are environmentally-friendly. LPG (liquified petroleum gas), is a mixture of various elements of hydrocarbons derivedfrom natural gas. By increasing the pressure and lowering the temperature, the gas turns into liquid. LPG in indonesia usually used for household appliance fuel (especially gas stove). In short, natural gas plays an important role to support human activities, especially that can be used as fuel, CNG or LPG.

Besides as a fuel, natural gas can also be utilized in other ways, theya re  as a raw material production. One of the most natural gas which often used the production process is petrochemicals. Petrochemicals are the materials that we often hear as a raw material of Bitumen, which have been especially useful in supporting human economic activities, especially in the mobilization of transport. So, besides as a fuel, natural gas is also very involved in the production process, which as raw material production, which contributed to support the human economic activity, especially in the mobilization of transport.

The last utilization of natural gas as is for export of commodities. It is undeniable that natural is one of a very profitable commodity in international trade. Natural which gas can be used as commodity export is LNG (Liquified Natural Gas). LNG is natural gas that were processed to remove impurities and heavy hydrocarbods and then condesed into liquid by cooling the atmosphere in the press about160 ° Celsius.  Usually, LNG is used for air conditioner (AC) , as used in the Bangkok Airport, Thailand and some college buildings in Australia. Indonesia as one of the biggest natural gas producing country in the world, certainly  has an advantage in this case, because Indonesia can gets many benefit from natural gas which exports to other countries, that would automatically can helps the development in economic sector in Indonesia.

In conclusion, Indonesia as one of the biggest natural gas producer countries, should take measures and strategic policies to maximize the potential that exists in order to develop their economy. One approach is to maximize the potential of natural gas produced. Indonesia may can use natural gas as an alternative fuel  from petroleum fuels, or as raw material for production. Or, if  Indonesia would get more profit, Indonesia can maximize the export of natural gas abroad. It can be done through with the good and strategic policies, so that will stimulate the economic growth of Indonesia in the future.

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