Supporting NZE 2060, Pertamina University Collaborates with 2 Japanese Universities

Tokyo, May 27, 2023 - Pertamina University has established partnership with two universities in Japan, namely Tokyo University and Kyushu University. This collaboration aims to support Pertamina’s energy transition program and the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target in 2060.

The collaboration took place during the 28th Nikkei Forum in Tokyo, Japan. The signing ceremony was conducted between Prof. Dr. Ir. Wawan Gunawan A. Kadir M.S, Rector of Pertamina University; Prof. Dr. Yasuhiro Yamada, Head of the Department of Earth Resources Engineering at Kyushu University, Japan; and Prof. Tsuji Takeshi, Professor of the Department of Innovation Systems, Faculty of Engineering at Tokyo University, in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, May 26, 2023.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Wawan Gunawan A. Kadir M.S, Rector of Pertamina University, stated that the collaboration with these two Japanese universities aims to strengthen research and development activities needed by Pertamina as an energy company, particularly concerning sustainable activities development that supports environmental, social, and governance aspects.

"Pertamina University serves as a research and development (R&D) center in developing sustainability activities that support ESG and others," said Prof. Wawan.

Moreover, Wawan explained that with Pertamina's R&D support, efforts are being made to slow down the natural decline of oil and gas fields by conducting injections and utilizing carbon emissions to increase oil and gas production. It aligns with Pertamina's efforts to achieve the NZE target. Another effort is renewable energy development, particularly geothermal power generation. Currently, CO2 technology has been developed, where carbon is injected into the earth while maintaining a temperature of 150° - 300° Celsius, ensuring sustained steam production.

Furthermore, Pertamina University also supports the company in capacity building and producing human resources with expertise in the energy field through collaboration in several aspects.

"There is a student exchange program with the University of Tokyo and Kyushu University. They explicitly conveyed it; however, we need time to set it up, hopefully as soon as possible. It is the first step in the R&D context," he added.

Meanwhile, Prof. Tsuji Takeshi emphasized that collaboration in the specific field of carbon neutrality is for emission reduction. "Tsuji lab from the University of Tokyo, specializing in resources engineering, is ready to exchange and transfer technology as well as learn from Pertamina University. We encourage student and faculty exchanges, including myself being ready to teach at Pertamina University. We hope that concrete collaboration can be realized soon to support sustainable energy," said Prof. Tsuji.

This was supported by Prof. Dr. Yasuhiro Yamada, Head of the Department of Earth Resources Engineering at Kyushu University. "Our colleagues at Kyushu University are hoping for joint research and student and faculty exchanges. The exchange of staff and students will be beneficial for both parties. Currently, several Indonesian students are studying at Kyushu University through scholarships," added Prof. Yamada.

Fadjar Djoko Santoso, Vice President of Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), stated that the collaboration between Pertamina University, the University of Tokyo, and Kyushu University is a positive and beneficial step for the corporation, especially in implementing Pertamina's energy transition initiatives and supporting the government's Net Zero Emission 2060 target.

"Breakthroughs in the R&D field are crucial for the company's programs, especially in implementing the two pillars of business in facing climate change, namely building new business and decarbonization," concluded Fadjar.**