[Jakarta, October 29, 2024] – Maxpower Indonesia held an insightful internal knowledge-sharing session focused on the growing field of hydrogen energy. The event, aimed at enhancing employee understanding of hydrogen technologies, featured Bayu Wisnu Aji, Senior Manager of Business Development at Maxpower Indonesia, as the key speaker. His presentation provided valuable insights into the many aspects of hydrogen energy, including production, transport, storage, and its potential for contributing to Indonesia’s energy transition goals.

Key Highlights from the Session

The session covered several key topics that are essential to understanding hydrogen’s role in the future energy landscape. These topics ranged from the basic principles of hydrogen to its application in the power generation sector and Indonesia’s strategic plans for hydrogen development.

1. Introduction to Hydrogen

Bayu began the session by providing a foundational overview of hydrogen, describing its chemical properties, types (green, blue, and grey hydrogen), and its potential as a clean, versatile energy carrier. Hydrogen, as the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, offers significant promise for a wide range of applications, particularly in decarbonizing industries and energy systems.

2. Hydrogen Production: Electrolysis and Fuel Cells

The presentation then moved to the core technologies enabling hydrogen production, with a particular emphasis on electrolysis—the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. Bayu explained the importance of green hydrogen, produced via renewable energy sources, in the context of global decarbonization efforts. He also highlighted the role of fuel cells in converting hydrogen into electricity, a key technology in the transportation sector and other applications where clean energy is required.

3. Hydrogen Transport and Storage

A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the logistics of hydrogen transport and storage, addressing one of the major challenges in scaling up hydrogen use. Due to hydrogen’s low energy density, efficient and cost-effective storage solutions, includes liquefaction, compression, and ammonia-based transport, were discussed as crucial elements in the successful integration of hydrogen into global energy systems.

4. Global Hydrogen Market and Trends

Bayu also provided insights into the global hydrogen market, highlighting the increasing investment and momentum in hydrogen technologies worldwide. The demand for hydrogen is growing rapidly, especially in regions where heavy industries and transport are major contributors to emissions. Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are emerging as leaders in the hydrogen economy, each with ambitious strategies to drive hydrogen adoption.

Japan has committed to becoming a global hydrogen hub, with extensive investments in hydrogen infrastructure and a focus on the hydrogen-ammonia value chain. The country’s vision includes integrating hydrogen into various sectors, including power generation and transportation, to reduce emissions and improve energy security.

South Korea is also investing heavily in hydrogen, with plans to become a leading producer and exporter of hydrogen. The country has set clear targets for hydrogen use in both industrial applications and mobility, and it is actively developing the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale hydrogen adoption.

Singapore is positioning itself as a critical player in the global hydrogen market, particularly in the development of hydrogen as a fuel for power generation and industry. With its national energy strategy focused on decarbonization, Singapore aims to import hydrogen and develop a robust hydrogen infrastructure to help meet its climate goals.

Bayu emphasized that these countries are not only investing in hydrogen production but are also focusing on the creation of supportive policies, infrastructure, and international partnerships to accelerate the global adoption of hydrogen. This growing global momentum is paving the way for hydrogen to play a significant role in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

5. Singapore’s National Energy Strategy

A highlight of the session was the discussion on Singapore’s national energy strategy, which is positioning hydrogen as a critical component of the country’s decarbonization efforts. Singapore is making substantial investments in hydrogen infrastructure, including plans to import hydrogen and develop the necessary logistics and storage capabilities to make hydrogen a viable energy source. The nation aims to leverage hydrogen as part of its broader strategy to reduce emissions, improve energy security, and meet its climate goals. Singapore’s push toward becoming a global hydrogen hub was emphasized as an example of forward-thinking energy policy.

6. Japan’s Hydrogen-Ammonia Value Chain

Another critical point covered was Japan’s hydrogen-ammonia value chain, a pioneering initiative aimed at creating a stable, global supply chain for hydrogen. Japan is developing hydrogen infrastructure that incorporates ammonia as a carrier for hydrogen, which can be used for both power generation and industrial applications. Bayu explained how this strategy could help overcome the challenges of transporting hydrogen over long distances, making it more economically viable. Japan’s focus on ammonia-based hydrogen solutions is seen as a key enabler for decarbonizing industries and large-scale power generation, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors.

7. Indonesia’s Hydrogen Strategy

A central focus of the session was Indonesia’s evolving strategy for hydrogen development. With its abundant renewable energy resources, Indonesia is well-positioned to become a significant player in the green hydrogen market. Bayu outlined the Indonesian government’s plans to integrate hydrogen into its national energy strategy, with a focus on green hydrogen production and the development of infrastructure to support large-scale adoption.

8. Paiton Energy’s Role in Hydrogen Development

The session also highlighted the efforts of Paiton Energy, in advancing hydrogen technologies. Bayu discussed Paiton’s ongoing projects to integrate hydrogen into its gas-fired power plants, positioning the company to play a crucial role in Indonesia’s transition to a low-carbon power generation system. Hydrogen’s potential to decarbonize gas power plants and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels was presented as a key element in meeting Indonesia’s net-zero emissions (NZE) target by 2060.

Estimated Emission Reductions at Paiton Energy

One of the aspects emphasized during the session was the estimated emission reductions that Paiton Energy could achieve through the implementation of hydrogen and ammonia cofiring technology. Based on preliminary analysis, the use of cofiring could reduce CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants by up to 50%, representing a significant step toward long-term emissions reduction.

Paiton Energy, which operates large power plants in Indonesia, is committed to playing a leading role in achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. Through the implementation of hydrogen and ammonia cofiring, Paiton Energy is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also demonstrating its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s decarbonization policies and contributing to a greener energy future.

Conclusion

Maxpower Indonesia’s knowledge-sharing session on hydrogen energy offered a comprehensive overview of this transformative technology and its potential role in Indonesia’s decarbonization efforts. By exploring the latest trends in hydrogen production, transport, and storage, as well as examining international examples like Singapore’s national energy strategy and Japan’s hydrogen-ammonia value chain, the session underscored hydrogen’s critical role in the global transition to cleaner energy.

As Indonesia pursues its net-zero emissions target by 2060, hydrogen will be integral to achieving these goals, particularly through innovative solutions includes hydrogen cofiring and green hydrogen production. By leveraging hydrogen’s potential, Maxpower Indonesia aims to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future—one that supports both Indonesia’s national objectives and the broader global commitment to a low-carbon economy.