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A closer look at PLN’s green claim
A clear explanation by PLN is needed on how these hydrogen plants are integrated into the overall green hydrogen production strategy and how their RECs contribute to emissions reduction.
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PLN chief executive Darmawan Prasodjo (left) poses for a photo on Oct. 9, 2023, with the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry’s New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) director general Yudo Dwinanda Priaadi and PLN Nusantara Power managing director Ruly Firmansyah at the green hydrogen power plant inauguration at the Muara Karang Steam Gas Power Plant (PLTGU) in Jakarta. (PLN/-)
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reen hydrogen, which is emerging as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, is gaining traction in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. Its potential for clean and efficient energy production offers a path to a low-carbon future, extending beyond its role as a clean energy source.
State-owned electricity company PLN demonstrated its leadership in Indonesia's green hydrogen market by opening in October of this year its first hydrogen plant, which is powered by rooftop solar power plants with a capacity of around 413 kilowatts peak (kWp) and a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) of 2,077 megawatt hours (MWh) per year.
In the following month, PLN successfully established 21 additional hydrogen plants across its coal-fired power plant facilities, which are also sourced from rooftop solar power plants and have a total capacity of 4,644 kWp and an annual REC of 9,535 MWh.
The unique green hydrogen production process at PLN involves a combination of solar and coal-powered electrolysis. To mitigate emissions from fossil fuel power plant operations, the company adopts a strategy of purchasing RECs, claiming to effectively neutralize the environmental impact and justify the designation of green hydrogen.
While these efforts mark a significant leap in Indonesia's green hydrogen journey, questions remain about the true sustainability impacts of PLN's hydrogen production.
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), "green hydrogen" is hydrogen produced solely from renewable energy sources. One of the green hydrogen processes is created through electrolysis and uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This approach contrasts with traditional hydrogen production methods, which rely on fossil fuels and inevitably emit greenhouse gases during production.
Purchasing RECs from the same grid on which green hydrogen is produced is important. It connects the clean energy from the RECs to offset the emissions from the production of the hydrogen.
