PLN (Persero), the Indonesian state-owned electricity company, is looking to partner with French energy companies to develop green hydrogen technology and reduce Indonesia’s dependence on fossil fuels.In a meeting with the French Hydrogen Association and the French International Entrepreneurs Association, Hartanto Wibowo, Director of Corporate Planning and Business Development at PLN, expressed interest in collaborating on the development of sustainable energy technology, particularly green hydrogen.

PLN plans to build a hydrogen plant that will replace fossil-based diesel generators, and the collaboration with France Hydrogene is focused on the development of hydrogen technology that can exploit Indonesia’s natural potential. This move is part of PLN’s energy transition strategy and initiatives to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2060.

Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources, is emerging as a key solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Europe will need 20 million tonnes of hydrogen by 2030, with 10 million tonnes produced in Europe and the rest imported from outside Europe. The need for green hydrogen from renewable energy in Europe is estimated to reach 500 TWh by 2030, with an electrolyzer capacity of 120 GW and an investment requirement of up to 471 billion Euros. In France, it is estimated that 6.5 GW of electrolyzers will be installed with an investment requirement of 9 billion Euros by 2030, reducing emissions by 6 million tons of CO2 and providing employment for 150 thousand people.

PLN’s collaboration with the French Hydrogen Association could help accelerate Indonesia’s transition to sustainable energy, reducing the country’s carbon footprint and supporting economic growth through job creation and increased investment.