Jakarta, INTI - PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) has begun developing a green hydrogen ecosystem as part of its long-term strategy to support the national energy transition. PLN EPI especially targets the use of low-carbon hydrogen in various sectors, from industry and power generation to the production of electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF).
Anita Puspita Sari, VP of Biomass Strategy and Business Development at PLN EPI, stated that hydrogen is one of the pillars of the PLN Group's Net Zero Emissions (NZE) 2060 roadmap.
PLN EPI Acts as Hydrogen Supplier
After developing bioenergy through a biomass co-firing program, PLN EPI is now expanding its primary energy business by building a green hydrogen value chain. The development is done gradually by making business models, expanding partnerships, and preparing commercialization schemes.
"In addition to continuing to develop renewable energy, nuclear power plants, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS), energy storage, and the Green Energy Super Grid, the PLN Group is also making hydrogen and ammonia part of its long-term strategy to support a low-carbon energy system," said Anita.
PLN EPI is open to collaboration opportunities through a Hydrogen Gas Purchase Agreement (HGPA) and joint operation with partners developing hydrogen production facilities. Through this scheme, PLN EPI will act as an aggregator and hydrogen supplier for various sectors that require low-carbon energy.
"As a subholding that manages primary energy, we see hydrogen as the energy commodity of the future. PLN EPI's role is not only to ensure supply availability but also to build a business ecosystem so that hydrogen can be utilized more widely by the PLN Group and the industrial sector," said Anita.
e-SAF Development Plans
Initially, PLN EPI is targeting sectors with significant hydrogen needs, such as the fertilizer and ammonia industry, oil refineries and petrochemicals, the steel and metals industry, and the chemical industry. These sectors are considered to have the potential to become initial markets for green hydrogen in Indonesia.
Aside from the industrial sector, PLN EPI is exploring the development of e-SAF. e-SAF utilizes green hydrogen combined with captured carbon dioxide to produce synthetic crude, which is then processed into low-carbon aviation fuel through a closed-carbon loop concept. The demand for e-SAF is expected to increase as many international regulations begin to encourage the use of sustainable fuels to reduce emissions.
Anit mentioned that Indonesia has significant potential to become a key player in the green hydrogen industry due to its abundant availability of renewable energy sources. However, the development of this sector still requires accelerated ecosystem development, technological mastery, and the establishment of a market capable of supporting sustainable hydrogen growth.
Conclusion
PLN EPI is developing a green hydrogen ecosystem, targeting the use of low-carbon hydrogen for the industrial sector, power generation, and electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF) production. PLN EPI will build a hydrogen value chain through the development of business models, partnerships, and commercialization schemes, acting as an aggregator and provider of hydrogen supply.
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