Decarbonization in the transportation sector requires innovative solutions. Responding to this challenge, Pertamina NRE collaborated with a French company, MGH Energy, to explore breakthroughs in the development of e-fuels, namely fuel from renewable energy sources.
Pertamina NRE CEO, John Anis explained, along with the government’s fairly aggressive target in developing electricity from renewable energy, of course the opportunity to develop e-fuels is getting bigger and of course will support national energy resilience and self-sufficiency. Some of those included in e-fuels are e-methanol and eSAF.
E-methanol is a methanol material produced through a combination of hydrogen produced from water electrolysis using renewable energy and captured carbon dioxide. Methanol or E methanol is commonly used in the shipping industry and the chemical industry. Meanwhile, eSAF or e-sustainable aviation fuel is a synthetic fuel for airplanes that is produced using an electrolysis process with renewable energy sources such as solar, water, or wind.
“Indonesia has enormous potential for renewable resources, from solar to hydro, which can be the foundation for industrial-scale e-fuels production,” said John Anis in a written statement, Wednesday (4/6/2025).
In addition, John stated, this strategic collaboration is not only one of the hopes for developing innovative solutions for decarbonization but also has the potential to create technology transfer and accelerate the EBT mix in Indonesia. Globally, the development of e-fuels and eSAF has become part of the major clean energy agenda in various countries. Germany, for example, has operated a large-scale e-fuel plant in Patagonia, while Japan and the United States are encouraging research and fiscal incentives for eSAF. By engaging in this trend, Indonesia is not only responding to global climate pressures but also taking advantage of new economic opportunities arising from the energy transition.
In the future, support from the regulatory side, fiscal incentives, infrastructure investment, and increasing human resource capacity will be the key to the success of the development and commercialization of e-fuels in Indonesia. If managed properly, Indonesia can become one of the largest clean fuel production centers in ASEAN and support domestic needs while answering global market challenges.
Meanwhile, VP Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero), Fadjar Djoko Santoso added, Pertamina NRE has an important role in the utilization of new and renewable energy. Synergy with various partners is needed to carry out the vision of new renewable energy optimally, while supporting the achievement of the Government’s net zero emission (NZE) target which can be achieved faster with the involvement of various stakeholders.
For information, Pertamina NRE and MGH Energy have just signed a joint memorandum of understanding for the development of e-fuels on May 28, 2025, at the Indonesia-France Business Forum. MGH Energy is a company MGH (Mobility Green Horizon) Energy is a French company that focuses on reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector, especially in maritime and air transportation. They are developing projects to replace fossil fuels with renewable synthetic fuels, such as e-methanol and e-jet, to support the transition to low-carbon transportation.
June 4, 2025, CNBC Indonesia
(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250604150040-4-638565/pertamina-nre-gandeng-perusahaan-asal-prancis-kembangkan-e-fuels)