PLN has already been very proactive in initiating hydrogen pilot projects and studies across Indonesia, including the establishment of hydrogen production facilities and refueling stations. The company has also signed multiple agreements aimed at diversifying its business and exploring alternative fuels to support its decarbonization agenda. Meanwhile, the MEMR, through its Directorate General of New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (Ditjen EBTKE), issued the National Hydrogen Strategy in late 2023, signaling a strong governmental push for the development of hydrogen across several sectors, including power generation, transportation and industry.

The National Hydrogen Strategy underscores Indonesia's commitment to transitioning toward low-carbon hydrogen, with a staged approach toward green hydrogen. The MEMR is currently finalizing the country's Hydrogen Roadmap, which will define the timeline and key milestones for hydrogen deployment.

The MoU between PLN and HDF Energy is a direct effort to implement both the National Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, as the joint study mandated by the MoU will assess the feasibility of integrating hydrogen across power and transportation sectors in regions with suitable energy contexts. The MEMR, through Ditjen EBTKE, will closely monitor the progress of this collaboration and provide necessary support to address challenges in developing a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem.

HDF Energy, a France-based global leader in the hydrogen industry, specializes in developing large-scale hydrogen infrastructure and advanced multi-megawatt fuel cell technology. This partnership with PLN accelerates the deployment of Renewstable® multi-MW hydrogen power plants, which generate green, stable and baseload power by seamlessly integrating intermittent renewable energy sources with substantial on-site energy storage in the form of green hydrogen. Renewstable® plants stand as the green alternative to traditional diesel fuel power plants, utilizing only solar or wind energy and water to produce stable electricity, thereby eliminating greenhouse emissions and noise.

HDF Energy is currently developing 23 projects in eastern Indonesia, representing a potential investment of US$1.5 billion, with support from esteemed development institutions, including US DFC. The collaboration aims to enhance the capacity and expertise of Indonesian stakeholders in the hydrogen sector, reinforcing the country’s position as a key player in the transition to a sustainable energy future.

“We are glad to be able to forge a solid collaboration with some partners, such as HDF Energy. Climate change is a global issue that must be addressed collectively. Therefore, PLN cannot bear this burden alone; the only way to move forward is through collaboration," Darmawan added.

Mathieu Geze, HDF Energy’s Director for Asia and President Director of PT HDF Energy Indonesia, added: “We are excited to reaffirm our commitment to a net-zero emissions future with this MoU. Through our collaboration with PLN, we aim to put Indonesia at the forefront of green hydrogen projects in the Asia Pacific region. Our power plants are the first crucial step in decarbonizing other sectors such as maritime. HDF Energy remains steadfast in our dedication to corporate responsibility, environmental stewardship and the pursuit of a sustainable future.”

The MoU was officially signed by Hartanto Wibowo, Director of Corporate Planning and Business Development at PT PLN (Persero), and Mathieu Geze, Director for Asia at HDF Energy and President Director of PT HDF Energy Indonesia, in the presence of Hendra Iswahyudi, the Director of Energy Conservation of Ditjen EBTKE MEMR. The MOU was also witnessed by Michel Oldenburg and Carine Lalmant, the Head of Economic Department and Sustainable Development Advisor of the French Embassy.

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