Indonesia Eyes Hydrogen Partnership with U.S. Firms Amid Push for Renewable Energy

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Indonesia is exploring hydrogen development partnerships with several U.S. companies, a move officials say could accelerate the country’s renewable energy transition and strengthen energy resilience.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Yuliot Tanjung confirmed the talks, noting America’s advancement in hydrogen as an alternative energy source.

“We will cooperate with several companies from the United States,” he said at the ESDM Ministry office in Jakarta on Friday, October 2, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Yuliot highlighted Indonesia’s untapped hydrogen potential. Data from state utility PT PLN (Persero) shows the country produces 200 tons annually but consumes only 75 tons, leaving a surplus of 125 tons.

“America is developing hydrogen for energy sources. We also have significant reserves that have not yet been utilized. So, we will cooperate,” he added.

The ministry has recorded 93 hydrogen ecosystem initiatives with investment commitments totaling IDR 32 trillion (USD 1.78 billion).

Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), Eniya Listiani Dewi, said that these projects align with Minister Bahlil Lahadalia’s directive to support dedieselisasi, phasing out diesel power plants.

One pilot project in Pulau Rengit, developed with PLN, integrates solar power generation with hydrogen storage to supply electricity in remote areas. Eniya believes hydrogen utilization could raise Indonesia’s energy resilience score from 7 to 8 out of 10.

She emphasized that building a hydrogen ecosystem requires collaboration across government, SOEs, industry, research institutions, universities, and international partners. ***