PHE Continues to Explore Geologic Hydrogen Potential in Indonesia

Jakarta, June 26, 2024 – Through a series of innovations and developments in exploration as part of the company's efforts to improve performance and maintain national energy security, PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) continues to explore the potential of Geologic Hydrogen.

Director of Exploration of PHE, Muharram Jaya Panguriseng, stated that PHE, through its motto 'Explore the Potential', is examining the potential of Geologic Hydrogen to ensure that PHE consistently upholds national energy security.

"Energy security is crucial for the nation’s resilience. One key to achieving our energy security is becoming an energy producer, which requires energy reserves to sustain our business. Referring to this, since Net Zero Emission is imperative, hydrogen is an interesting solution for the future. It is a challenge for all of us. Therefore, we are expected to take definitive steps to begin Geologic Hydrogen or natural hydrogen exploration in Indonesia,” emphasized Muharram.

Participating directly in the Indonesia International Hydrogen Summit 2024, themed 'Harnessing Hydrogen & Ammonia: Powering Sustainable Investment Pathway in Indonesia', demonstrates PHE’s support in accelerating the energy transition in Indonesia. This not only ensures Net Zero Emissions realization but also creates value and drives national economic growth.

The Indonesia International Hydrogen Summit 2024 aligns with PHE’s vision and mission, the company’s Emission Reduction roadmap for 2025 – 2034, and PHE’s Sustainability Policy to become an environmentally friendly company providing energy access and supporting green energy to back the national climate transition agenda.

At the event organized by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, PHE shared extensive information with visitors about PHE’s efforts in exploring Geologic/Natural Hydrogen. It represents one of Pertamina’s hopes for greener and cleaner energy through further collaboration and research with all parties, including government bodies, academics, researchers, stakeholders, and other institutions.

PHE has already started Geological and Geophysical Studies of Geologic Hydrogen Potential in the East Sulawesi Ophiolite in collaboration with Pertamina University and supported by recent research from the Geological Survey Center, Geological Agency.

Geologic Hydrogen is a natural hydrogen source from beneath the Earth's surface and stored in rocks. Understanding rock and underground geology knowledge is required to explore and exploit it. Natural hydrogen exploration is a new field in the energy world and is closely related to oil and gas exploration activities. Countries that have conducted this include Mali, the United States, Australia, Spain, France, and Brazil. PHE, with its capabilities and experience in oil and gas exploration, can certainly explore Geologic Hydrogen or natural hydrogen.

PHE will continue to invest in upstream oil and gas operations and business management following the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. PHE has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) since June 2022. PHE is committed to the Ten Universal Principles of the UNGC in its strategy and operations, as part of implementing ESG aspects. Supporting Governance aspects, PHE is also consistently committed to Zero Tolerance for Bribery by ensuring fraud prevention and maintaining a bribery-free company. It includes the ISO 37001:2016 standard Anti-Bribery Management System (SMAP) implementation.

PHE continues to develop prudent and excellent operational management domestically and internationally to become a world-class oil and gas company that is Environmentally Friendly, Socially Responsible, and Well-Governed.

Vice President of Corporate Communication of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, said Pertamina continuously encourages PHE’s proactive steps in exploring new business potentials, including geologic hydrogen exploration, to realize green and clean energy and become an environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and well-governed company.

"Pertamina continues to promote green energy business development innovation to support energy transition and achieve the NZE 2060 target," said Fadjar.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**