Indonesia has officially begun construction of the Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant Ulubelu, marking the world’s first pilot project to use geothermal-based anion exchange membrane electrolyzer technology for green hydrogen production.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held by PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk and attended by Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry / Deputy Head of BKPM, Todotua Pasaribu, who stated the project is a critical milestone in advancing renewable energy downstreaming and accelerating the transition toward a green economy.

Strategic Support for Net Zero Emission and National Development Goals

“This green energy pilot plant is a real manifestation of the government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero Emission by 2060,” said Wamen Todotua. “It also aligns with President Prabowo’s Asta Cita, especially the second goal of promoting national independence through energy and green economy, and the fifth goal of continuing downstreaming and developing resource-based industries to increase domestic value.”

Wamen Todotua emphasized that green hydrogen utilization would support a sustainable economy, from transportation fuel to industrial decarbonization. The facility targets production of approximately 100 kilograms of hydrogen per day by November 2026.

Industrial Application and Collaboration with External Partners

The hydrogen produced will be used not only within the Pertamina Group but also by external partners such as Toyota, which is involved in the development of hydrogen-fueled vehicles.

“Downstreaming has proven to be one of the main drivers of national economic growth. In the future, it will not only focus on minerals but will also be supported by green energy as the main catalyst to ensure that industrialization runs more efficiently and competitively,” explained Wamen Todotua.

Reinforced Commitment to Green Energy Investment

He further expressed the commitment of the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry / BKPM to continue promoting investment in green energy and the downstreaming of natural resources, while strengthening synergy among the government, state-owned enterprises, the private sector, and international partners in building a green energy ecosystem.

The groundbreaking event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung, Governor of Lampung Rahmat Mirzani Djausal, President Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero) Mochamad Iriawan, CEO of PT Pertamina (Persero) Simon Aloysius Mantiri, Director of Projects and Operations at Pertamina New and Renewable Energy Norman Ginting, and CEO of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk Julfi Hadi.

PHOTO: KEMENTERIAN INVESTASI DAN HILIRISASI/BKPM

This article was created with AI assistance.