Indonesia Launches Groundbreaking Hydrogen-Based Geothermal Power Plant to Propel Energy Transition

In a significant move towards advancing the global energy transition, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliot Tanjung, has announced the launch of a hydrogen-based geothermal power plant in Ulubelu, Lampung. This initiative is viewed as a potential game changer in the renewable energy sector, particularly with green hydrogen emerging as a versatile and valuable export commodity.

The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by key figures including the Deputy Minister of Investment and Empowerment, Todotua Pasaribu, and executives from PT Pertamina, marks a pivotal moment for Indonesia's energy landscape. The Ulubelu facility is designed as an integrated clean energy laboratory, boasting four geothermal units with a combined capacity of 220 megawatts. The project will adhere to stringent health, safety, security, and environmental standards set forth by the Pertamina Group, ensuring both safety and sustainability.

Yuliot emphasized that this project is more than just a power plant; it serves as a commercial feasibility test for hydrogen integration, examining production costs, technological efficiencies, and innovative business models. The choice of Ulubelu as the project site is strategic, leveraging its existing geothermal infrastructure and reliable electricity grid, as well as its proximity to the vital Sumatra-Java distribution line.

Simon Aloysius Mantiri, President Director of Pertamina, heralded the project as a historic milestone for Indonesia's energy sector, underscoring the potential for the nation to harness its own clean energy resources. He expressed hope that the green hydrogen plant would not only enhance Indonesia’s clean energy portfolio but also provide substantial benefits to local communities, positioning it as a symbol of national progress in energy transition.