PLN Implements CCS To Encourage Decarbonization Of The Electricity Sector

Illustration of PLTU Suralaya in Cilegon City, Banten, one of the PLN generators is being studied for the implementation of CCS. (ANTARA)

PT PLN (Persero) is ready to implement carbon capture storage (CCS) technology as one of the important pillars of decarbonization in the electricity sector.

This effort is to support the government in achieving the zero carbon emission (NZE) target by 2060 or sooner.

"PLN plays an important role in Indonesia's energy transition to clean energy. We have a comprehensive energy transition roadmap and are committed to running the roadmap to achieve NZE by 2060," said PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo, quoted by ANTARA, Sunday, August 4.

Darmawan said, as a pioneer company that implements CCS technology in the electricity sector in Indonesia, PLN has collaborated with various international partners in the CCS technology development study at five power plants.

"The challenge in carrying out the energy transition is enormous, for that a strong collaboration between the global community is urgently needed. We have collaborated with various international partners to conduct a CCS implementation study at four PLTUs and one PLTGU belongs to us," he said.

Meanwhile, Executive Vice President (EVP) of PLN Electricity System Planning Warsono said that currently 37.6 gigawatts (GW) of power plants have met the requirements for the implementation of CCS and 19 GW technically feasible and prioritized for CCS implementation.

"CCS will play an important role in efforts to decarbonize the power generation sector. In this case, PLN is preparing the implementation of CCS for a total capacity of 2 GW in 2040 and 19 GW in 2060," he said.

To make this a success, PLN cooperates with partners such as JERA and JGC, INPEX and Korean Carbon in the study of implementing CCS at PLTU and PLTGU owned by PLN.

The generators are a pilot for the implementation of CCS, including PLTU Suralaya Unit 1-4, PLTU Suralaya Unit 5-7, PLTU Indramayu, PLTGU Tambak Lorok, and PLTU Tanjung Jati B.

"Collaboration between stakeholders is very important for future CCS implementation. For the pilot plan, we have conducted studies with several stakeholders regarding the implementation of this CCS," said Warsono.

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan conveyed that the issuance of Presidential Regulation Number 14 of 2024 concerning the Implementation of Carbon Arrest and Storage Activities has shown the government's commitment and seriousness to implement CCS technology as part of the decarbonization initiative.

"The Indonesian government wants to move quickly in implementing this carbon capture storage technology. We are aware of the importance of maturity for CCS technology, so we will continue to do many things to achieve this target," said Luhut at the International & Indonesia CCS (IICCS) Forum 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), last Wednesday.

This implementation, said Luhut, is not only important in efforts to massively reduce carbon emissions, more than that Luhut wants Indonesia to be a pioneer in CCS so that it is able to create a circular economy through creating new jobs.

"The CCS initiative is driven by Indonesia and neighboring countries to reduce emissions and protect the earth. More than that, Indonesia wants to be a pioneer in CCS cross-border, convert investment into revenue, work, and innovation and create prosperity and sustainability," said Luhut.