PLN to soon operate first hydrogen refueling station in Indonesia

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Indonesian state-owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) or PLN, through its sub-holding PLN Indonesia Power, is set to operate the first hydrogen refueling station (HRS) in Indonesia located in Senayan, South Jakarta. The progress of the HRS construction has now reached 98%, with completion targeted for February 2024. PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo stated that the HRS is a follow-up to the company's utilization of green hydrogen production from 21 green hydrogen plants that have been operational since November 2023. The hydrogen refueling station is expected to effectively replace fossil fuel "Not only electric vehicle charging infrastructure, but we are also ready to introduce the first hydrogen refueling station in Indonesia as an environmentally friendly energy option for vehicles," said Darmawan in a press release on Tuesday (1/16/2024).

The nearly completed HRS will serve all types of hydrogen-based vehicles, including private vehicles, public transportation, and heavy-duty vehicles. Darmawan mentioned that the Senayan HRS is equipped with HRS 150 bar, 300 bar, and will gradually increase to 700 bar.

PLN is also innovating hydrogen-based electric vehicles, which will be showcased during the inauguration of the Senayan HRS. The vehicle, developed by Subholding PLN Nusantara Power, is based on 150 bar pressure. "The development of this green hydrogen supply chain also strengthens national energy resilience. It means transitioning from fossil-based fuels, which are mostly imported, to domestically produced green hydrogen," added Darmawan. According to PLN's calculations, the cost of green hydrogen fuel produced from the operational residue of power plants is highly competitive compared to traditional fossil fuels. Per kilometer, a gasoline car costs Rp1,400, an electric car costs Rp370, and a hydrogen car only costs Rp350. "Thus, this energy transition is not only aimed at reducing high-emission energy use in the transportation sector but also transitioning to environmentally friendly, even zero-emission, energy, and at a much cheaper price," he explained.

The Senayan HRS will be equipped with a hydrogen-based electric vehicle charger with similar functions to a public electric vehicle charging station (SPKLU). A Hydrogen Center and Hydrogen Gallery Room will also be built as a center for hydrogen-related training and education in Indonesia. PLN is currently capable of producing 199 tons of green hydrogen. Out of this total production, PLN only uses 75 tons for operational power plant needs, while the remaining 124 tons can be utilized for other purposes. This amount can service 424 units of cell electric vehicles, saving 1.55 million liters of imported gasoline per year and reducing carbon emissions by 3.72 million kg CO2 per year. To implement this program, PLN has collaborated with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Indonesia Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy (IFHE).

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