In pursuit of Indonesia’s ambitious goal of achieving emission-free status by 2060, the government has embarked on a series of initiatives to develop eco-friendly transportation fuels. Alongside traditional options like bioethanol, biodiesel, and biogas, there’s a new player in town: hydrogen fuel. Enter Perusahaan Listrik Negara (State Electricity Company) or PLN, leading the charge with the establishment of hydrogen refueling stations (HRS) across the country.
According to PLN’s CEO, Darmawan Prasodjo, there’s been significant progress in green transportation technology, particularly in the realm of electric vehicles (EVs). PLN is fully onboard with the shift towards green transportation, supporting the entire spectrum of EV-based solutions.
“We see that green transportation technology is developing rapidly. One of them is how electric vehicle (EV)-based transportation is growing significantly, and PLN supports end-to-end green transportation transformation based on EV,” said PLN’s CEO Darmawan Prasodjo during the inauguration of Indonesia’s first HRS in Senayan, Jakarta, on Wednesday (21/2/204), as quoted from indonesia.go.id.
The development of hydrogen fuel is a joint effort between Pertamina and PLN, marking a pivotal step in transitioning from fossil fuels to greener energy sources. This transition necessitates the establishment of an ecosystem conducive to eco-friendly transportation practices.
PLN’s commitment to green transportation is evident in its extensive infrastructure investments, including hydrogen production facilities in strategic locations such as Muara Tawar, Muara Karang, and Tanjung Priok. Additionally, PLN boasts hydrogen production capabilities in 21 power plants, producing a total of 199 tons annually, complemented by rooftop solar installations and renewable energy certificates.
Furthermore, PLN is actively exploring the potential of green hydrogen derived from truly renewable sources, exemplified by the hydrogen production initiative at the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant. This initiative contributes an additional 4.3 tons of green hydrogen annually, further bolstering PLN’s green energy portfolio.
Of the total hydrogen production, only a fraction is utilized for internal operational purposes, leaving a substantial surplus available for the transportation sector. This surplus underscores the potential for hydrogen fuel to play a significant role in decarbonizing Indonesia’s transportation infrastructure.
But where does this hydrogen come from? Aside from PLN’s power plants, hydrogen can be sourced from various sources, including natural gas and geothermal energy. Pertamina’s CEO, Nicke Widyawati, highlights the diverse array of sources, ranging from grey and blue hydrogen to green hydrogen derived from geothermal and solar energy.
Pertamina has meticulously mapped out 17 hydrogen sources nationwide, positioning itself as a key player in Indonesia’s hydrogen economy. These sources will serve as the backbone of the hydrogen supply chain, ensuring widespread accessibility and distribution.
Refueling with hydrogen offers unparalleled convenience, with a single charge providing a range of 780-800 kilometers in just three minutes. This efficiency makes hydrogen fuel a viable alternative for daily commuters, eliminating the need for frequent refueling stops.
Looking ahead, experts predict a bright future for hydrogen fuel technology, driven by ongoing advancements and shifting trends in the automotive industry. As electric vehicle manufacturers explore alternatives to nickel-based batteries, hydrogen fuel emerges as a promising contender for sustainable transportation solutions.
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