Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) as part of the Subholding Pertamina Power & New Renewable Energy (PNRE) opens up opportunities for cooperation in developing geothermal power plants with other parties. "To solve major issues such as global warming and decarbonization, networks and partnerships are needed," said President Director of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) Ahmad Yuniarto in the Pertamina Energy Transition webinar, Friday (18/3).
According to Ahmad Yuniarto, no single company will be able to face major problems such as global warming and decarbonization alone. "The condition is that the strategic partnership must be able to provide benefits to both parties, and be able to create added value for the earth, the world, and a better future," said Ahmad.
Ahmad Yuniarto explained, in running its business, PGE continues to be committed to geothermal development and ensures the implementation of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) to become an integrated part of PGE's geothermal business. The implementation of these ESG aspects is an effort to provide added value and support PGE to government programs related to the use of new, renewable energy that is environmentally friendly, especially geothermal.
Indonesia has declared Net Zero Emission in 2060 or sooner. In addition, the Government is also targeting a 29 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, and a new renewable energy mix (EBT) target of 23 percent by 2025. PGE's commitment to developing geothermal energy can contribute to achieving the sustainable development targets. 7 (clean and affordable energy), goal 12 (responsible construction and production), goals 13 (handling climate change), and goals 15 (land ecosystems) in the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
Ahmad Yuniarto then mentioned three areas where partnerships can be carried out, namely Co-generation, Co-production, and Co-development. Joint generation can be done through the optimization of hot water vapor (Steam n Brines to green power) to produce environmentally friendly electricity (green electricity).
In addition, said Ahmad Yuniarto, there are four areas that can be worked on together (co-production), namely the use of CO2 for alternative fuels; Extraction of nano materials, namely by utilizing the valuable content in geothermal fluids (rare earth elements); Green Hydrogen as an environmentally friendly future fuel; and Green Methanol. Co-development can be done to build Geo-eco tourism, and Geo-agro industry. "In principle, PGE's operations must be efficient, including in utilizing waste."
Ahmad Yuniarto added, Indonesia must make optimal use of God's gift to this country in the form of large geothermal reserves. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) noted that currently Indonesia has 23.7 GW of geothermal reserves.
Based on data from ThinkGeoEnergy 2022, the installed capacity of geothermal plants worldwide reaches 15,854 MW. Indonesia with a generating capacity of 2,276 MW in 2021 is the country with the second largest generating capacity after the United States of 3,722 MW. Indonesia has surpassed the Philippines by 1,918 MW.
PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy at a glance
PGE currently manages 13 Geothermal Working Areas spread across Sumatra, Java, Bali and North Sulawesi, in which 1877 MW of geothermal power has been generated, consisting of 672 MW which is owned by PGE and 1205 MW is managed through a Joint Operation Contract. Geothermal installed capacity in PGE's working areas contributes about 82% of the total installed geothermal capacity in Indonesia, with the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by around 9.5 million tons of CO2 per year.
