Kelastambang: Indonesia officially commenced construction of the world’s first green hydrogen pilot plant utilizing geothermal energy, following a groundbreaking ceremony held in Ulubelu, Lampung, on Tuesday, September 9.
The project, initiated by PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk, will use anion exchange membrane electrolyzer technology powered by geothermal sources to produce green hydrogen—marking a global first in renewable energy innovation.
Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstreaming and Vice Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Todotua Pasaribu, who presided over the groundbreaking, described the project as a milestone in accelerating Indonesia’s renewable energy downstreaming and transition to a green economy.
“This green energy pilot plant is a concrete step toward achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060, in line with President Prabowo’s Asta Cita vision—specifically the second goal of promoting national self-reliance through green energy and economy, and the fifth goal to continue downstreaming and develop resource-based industries to increase domestic value-add,” said Todotua, as quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming.
He further explained that green hydrogen development will support sustainable economic sectors, ranging from transportation fuel to industrial decarbonization. With a projected output of approximately 100 kilograms of hydrogen per day starting in November 2026, the facility’s production will supply Pertamina Group as well as external partners, including Toyota, for hydrogen-powered vehicle development.
“Downstreaming has proven to be a key driver of national economic growth. In the future, this strategy will expand beyond minerals and be increasingly supported by green energy as a primary catalyst for efficient and competitive industrialization,” Todotua added.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM to attract further investment in green energy and natural resource downstreaming, while strengthening collaboration among the government, state-owned enterprises, private sector, and international partners in building a green energy ecosystem.
The Ulubelu green hydrogen project is expected to become a key milestone in enhancing Indonesia’s global leadership in energy transition.
The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung, Lampung Governor Rahmat Mirzani Djausal, President Commissioner of PT Pertamina (Persero) Mochamad Iriawan, President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero) Simon Aloysius Mantiri, Director of Projects and Operations at Pertamina New and Renewable Energy Norman Ginting, and President Director of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk Julfi Hadi.