Under the MoU, the companies will undertake joint research activities to explore the possibility of a long-term partnership, studying measures that will enable the reduction of CO₂ emissions at Pertamina’s sites. These measures will include carbon capture and storage, as well as ways to produce low-carbon hydrogen.

Air Liquide contributes its extensive expertise in hydrogen and proven carbon capture technology, while Pertamina provides its experience in the energy sector.

Separately, Pertamina has signed MoUs with Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) and Pupuk Indonesia to establish a Green Industry Cluster for the development of green hydrogen and green ammonia. "The development of the Green Industry Cluster in Indonesia will be an important milestone to form a wider green industry ecosystem in Indonesia," said Fajriyah Usman, vice president corporate communications at Pertamina.

The state-owned group is also working on a green hydrogen pilot project in Lampung province, as well as developing blue hydrogen from electrolysis at its refineries in Plaju and Cilacap. In addition, it is conducting a study on low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives as alternative fuels for maritime shipping, supported by funding from the Asian Development Bank.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist