IPB Expert: Do Various Innovations, Leading Pertamina In Decarbonization

JAKARTA - Various innovations made by PT Pertamina (Persero), prove that BUMN is at the forefront of energy transition and decarbonization. This was conveyed by environmental economist IPB Unversion, Aceng Hidayat.

"This is extraordinary. For this (energy transition and decarbonization), Pertamina is indeed leading, it can be an example of other companies," Aceng told reporters, quoted Friday, June 13.

Aceng assessed that Pertamina had the courage to make various breakthroughs. While continuing to maintain the availability of fuel oil (BBM) and natural gas for the community, he said, the BUMN energy also continues to innovate in new and renewable energy.

"This means that Pertamina has transformed into a sustainable company. Of course this is the right practice. Moreover, the business domain of SOEs is quite vulnerable, including regarding environmental issues, especially emissions," he continued.

As a business strategy, continued Aceng, Pertamina's commitment to the environment is also very profitable. Because in the future, only companies that are concerned about running sustainable business or green business will have high competitiveness. Moreover, he said, Pertamina would partner with global companies.

On the other hand, Aceng also assessed that Pertamina's various efforts strongly support national energy security. This includes encouraging self-sufficiency in energy as aspired to by the Prabowo Subianto Government.

This is in line with energy independence efforts. Pertamina can be a trendsetter and even as a driver," he continued.

According to Aceng, that's where Pertamina's role is. In the short term, in order to meet people's needs, Pertamina continues to use fossil energy. But on the different side, this SOE continues to apply green technology to reduce carbon.

"For the long term, we hope that Pertamina, supported by the Government, will continue to commit to the energy mix. Thus, it is not only a very important part in achieving the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target, which is a collective effort, but at the same time continues to be concerned about reducing carbon emissions," he concluded.

Pertamina itself has indeed implemented various innovations for decarbonization. Among them are the development of Bio Refinery (green refinery) which produces environmentally friendly fuels, such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) and Green Gasoline. In addition, Pertamina also implements Carbon Capture Storage (CCS)/Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology to capture and store CO2 emissions. Pertamina is also developing and installing solar panels in several locations, including in hospitals and terminals, to reduce dependence on fossil energy.

Pertamina New and Renewable Energy (PNRE) as Sub Holding of PT Pertamina (Persero) also signed a memorandum of understanding with MGH (Mobility Green Horizon) Energy for e-fuels development, such as e-metanol and eSAF. E methanol is commonly used in the shipping industry and the chemical industry. Meanwhile e-SAF or e-sustainable aviation fuel is synthetic fuel for aircraft produced using electrolysis processes with renewable energy electricity sources such as solar, water, or wind.