Jakarta, INTI - Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE) is accelerating its renewable energy development through strategic partnerships.
This effort is marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CRecTech Pte. Ltd. to explore the development of a pilot facility that converts biogas into biomethanol at the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Unlocking Biomethanol Potential from Biogas
The collaboration opens up new opportunities to utilize biogas as a high-value energy source. The technology applied enables the conversion of carbon-based gases into cleaner fuels and chemical products.
This initiative is also considered strategic in supporting decarbonization efforts, including within the maritime sector. In addition, biomethanol development can enhance the value of local resources, such as palm oil waste, which has not yet been fully optimized.
CRecTech Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based clean technology company, specializes in converting carbon-based gases into high-value chemicals and fuels using its catalytic CRecREF™️ technology, with a strong focus on decarbonization and green chemistry development.
Pertamina NRE CEO John Anis described the partnership as a concrete step toward accelerating green energy development in Indonesia.
“Through this collaboration with CRecTech, which brings innovative technology, we are optimistic about building a competitive and sustainable green fuel value chain. Moving forward, we hope this initiative will not stop at the pilot stage but can be scaled up to a larger commercial level, delivering tangible impact on Indonesia’s green energy ecosystem,” he said.
Under this partnership, both parties will conduct a joint study to assess the feasibility of developing a biogas-to-biomethanol pilot facility in Sei Mangkei. If the results prove promising, the collaboration will proceed with the implementation of CRecTech’s CRecREF™️ catalytic technology at the Sei Mangkei Biogas Power Plant.
“The CRecREF™️ technology is specifically designed for applications like this, converting low-quality biogas streams into high-value green chemicals directly at the production site, without the need for large-scale investments typically required by conventional methanol plants,” said CRecTech CEO Kang Hui Lim.
He added that Indonesia holds significant biogas potential, particularly from the palm oil sector through the processing of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME).
Pertamina NRE has identified several locations within its portfolio, including Sei Mangkei, that offer large-scale feedstock availability.
Looking ahead, the development of an integrated biogas-to-biomethanol value chain is expected to position Sei Mangkei as a hub for green fuel production in Indonesia.
This initiative not only strengthens Indonesia’s contribution to global emissions reduction efforts but also delivers tangible economic benefits, including job creation, increased investment, and the optimization of domestic renewable energy resources.
Conclusion
The partnership between Pertamina NRE and CRecTech highlights a significant move toward advancing Indonesia’s green energy transition. By leveraging innovative technology to convert biogas into biomethanol, the initiative not only supports decarbonization efforts but also unlocks the economic potential of underutilized resources. If successfully scaled, this project could position Indonesia as a key player in the global green fuel ecosystem while strengthening national energy resilience.
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