MHI and Indonesia Power research low-carbon power plants across Indonesia

The three studies will be conducted jointly by Indonesia Power and the Japanese partner with support from its power solutions brand – Mitsubishi Power – and will aid in the advancement of solutions to accelerate the decarbonisation of energy systems in Indonesia.

The first study will examine the technical and economic feasibility of co-firing up to 100 per cent biomass at the Suralaya coal-fired power plant (CFPP). The study will consider various aspects of the biomass supply chain including handling, storage, transportation, and boiler modifications.

The second study, which will also use Suralaya CFPP as the reference plant, will investigate the co-firing of ammonia produced by existing ammonia plants in Indonesia.

A particular area of focus will be the potential to establish a blue ammonia supply chain with production and transportation from the ammonia plant and ammonia co-firing technology to apply to the existing boilers.

Through this MoU and other ongoing initiatives, MHI – with support from Mitsubishi Power – will work to help Indonesia achieve its Net Zero Emissions 2060 target.

The third study will evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of hydrogen co-firing in an M701F gas turbine at the Tanjung Priok gas turbine combined cycle (GTCC) facility.

MHI completed the construction of the plant’s Unit 2 GTCC system in 2019 as part of PLN’s plans to build an 880MW plant under the Jawa-2 Project.

The MoU was inked at an Energy Transition Day event organised by Indonesia’s PLN Group on November 1 and featured discussions on initiatives and recommendations to achieve Indonesia’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2060. The event attracted over 250 industry professionals, government representatives, and business leaders.

Osamu Ono, senior vice president and chief regional officer for Asia Pacific and India at MHI said, “For over 50 years, MHI and its power solutions brand Mitsubishi Power have helped evolve Indonesia’s energy landscape, playing major roles in significant energy projects across the country.”

“This new agreement with Indonesia Power will not only enhance the reliability and efficiency of existing facilities – including the Tanjung Priok plant we helped build – but also explore innovative solutions that are imperative to achieving the nation's environmental sustainability goals while meeting its energy needs.”

Edwin Nugraha Putra, president director of PT PLN Indonesia Power said, “We are pleased to deepen our partnership with MHI to enable greater adoption of renewable energy and cleaner fuels, thus helping to achieve a sustainable energy transition in Indonesia. This new agreement underscores our commitment to support the continued development and decarbonisation of the country’s energy sector.”

This new MoU builds on strong existing cooperation between MHI and PLN in Indonesia.

Since 1971, MHI’s power solutions brand Mitsubishi Power has been supporting PLN and Indonesia Power with solutions for power plants across the country, including the Tanjung Priok, Suralaya, and Grati power plants.

In March this year, MHI and PLN – together with Institut Teknologi Bandung – prepared a joint proposal on biomass co-firing adoption at Indonesia’s thermal power plants and presented their findings to the national government.

Through this MoU and other ongoing initiatives, MHI – with support from Mitsubishi Power – will work to help the country achieve its Net Zero Emissions 2060 target.

Many investors are facing difficulties in implementing thermal power plants, however, they remain determined to develop projects.

The Indonesian government is set to temporarily suspend the export of new and renewable energy in order to prioritise domestic demands as the national clean energy mix for electricity is still at 11.7 percent, local media reported.