Indonesia explores a new pathway from biogas to lower-carbon marine fuel.

Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE) is developing an end-to-end bio-methanol ecosystem in Indonesia, linking biogas production with potential domestic and international markets.

The initiative involves three strategic agreements: a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Singapore-based technology company CRecTech Pte. Ltd., a Heads of Agreement (HoA) with PT Pertamina Petrochemical Trading (Pertachem), and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pertamina International Marketing & Distribution Pte. Ltd. (PIMD).

The production side will start with a pilot biogas-to-bio-methanol facility at the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Pertamina NRE will develop the facility with CRecTech under the JDA.

The facility is planned to produce around 50 tonnes of bio-methanol per year using biogas derived from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) at Pertamina NRE’s Sei Mangkei Biogas Power Plant.

CRecTech’s CRecREF catalytic technology enables the conversion of biogas into methanol in two stages, compared with four stages in conventional processes. The technology has the potential to reduce production costs by up to 50%.

Pertamina NRE President Director John Anis said the pilot facility would provide a basis for developing the project at commercial scale.

For the domestic market, Pertamina NRE and Pertachem will explore bio-methanol offtake arrangements, including a potential framework for long-term purchases during the commercial phase.

The move comes as Indonesia’s methanol demand approaches two million tonnes a year, with around two-thirds still supplied through imports.

Pertamina NRE is also exploring opportunities beyond the domestic market. Through its MoU with PIMD, the company will examine the potential supply and marketing of bio-methanol as marine fuel in international markets.

The initiative aligns with global efforts to decarbonise the maritime sector and could give Indonesia an opportunity to contribute to the supply of lower-carbon marine fuel.

PT Pertamina Petrochemical Trading President Director Aribawa said bio-methanol development could provide the foundation for a new business with potential for further growth.

If the pilot progresses successfully towards commercial development, the initiative could give Indonesia a new route to produce bio-methanol from biogas while opening opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

Source: ANTARA News

Danantara-backed Piyungan facility will convert 1,000 tonnes of waste daily into electricity.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is set to advance a major waste-to-energy (WtE) project, with groundbreaking for a new facility in Piyungan, Bantul, targeted for December 2026. Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with operations expected in the third or fourth quarter of 2028.

Developed by Indonesia’s Danantara Investment Management (DIM) through its subsidiary PT Daya Energi Bersih Nusantara (Denera), the facility is intended to address Yogyakarta’s waste management needs while generating electricity. It will occupy 5.7 hectares of provincial government land in Sitimulyo, Piyungan, adjacent to the former Piyungan waste processing area but on a separate site.

The project is expected to attract Rp2.5 trillion to Rp3 trillion in investment, depending on the final design. At full capacity, it is projected to process around 1,000 tonnes of waste per day and generate approximately 18–20 megawatts of electricity, potentially supplying around 15,000 households. The electricity will be developed in cooperation with Indonesia’s state-owned electricity utility, PLN.

The project is currently in its preparation phase. Mr. Fadli Rahman, Investment Director at Danantara Investment Management and CEO of Denera, said environmental studies, engineering design and land preparation are underway. These preparations are expected to lead into physical construction in January 2027, with completion targeted for the end of 2028.

Meeting the facility’s processing capacity will depend on a reliable supply of waste. Yogyakarta City and the regencies of Sleman and Bantul have therefore signed an agreement with the Yogyakarta provincial government and DIM covering waste supply and land provision. Together, the three areas are projected to supply around 1,099 tonnes of waste per day, while Kulon Progo and Gunungkidul could participate if additional capacity is required.

To support construction and future operations, the Yogyakarta provincial government will prepare the site and supporting infrastructure, including access roads and water supply. It will also coordinate permitting and community engagement, while the project is not expected to require resident relocation.

The facility is expected to deliver economic benefits alongside its waste and energy functions. Construction could create 500–1,000 jobs, while operations are expected to require 100–150 workers, with local employment prioritised.

At the same time, the facility will complement existing waste reduction, sorting and recycling programmes rather than replace them. Yogyakarta Mayor Mr. Hasto Wardoyo has also called for existing waste transport workers to remain part of the system once the facility becomes operational.

The Piyungan facility is part of Danantara’s broader national WtE programme, which is being developed with partners covering project development, engineering, procurement and construction, technology, operations and maintenance, financing and related infrastructure.

With land and waste supply commitments in place and construction preparations underway, the Piyungan project could become an important milestone in Indonesia’s efforts to develop more sustainable waste management. By converting waste into electricity while creating jobs and supporting local infrastructure, it could help Yogyakarta turn a persistent environmental challenge into a source of energy and economic value.

Source: INDiplomacy Desk

Indonesia seeks to turn mangrove expertise into global standards

Indonesia is promoting the World Mangrove Center (WMC) as a platform for international cooperation on mangrove science, policy, financing and sustainable management.

Developed by Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, the WMC has been introduced at several international forums, including the ASEAN Working Group on Forest Management (AWG-FM) in Cambodia, the 30th APEC Experts Group on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade (EGILAT) in Shenzhen, China, and forestry cooperation talks with Australia.

The ministry is also seeking broader recognition for the initiative through the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), the 21st session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

The effort comes as mangroves gain greater attention in global climate and biodiversity discussions. They absorb carbon, support biodiversity, reduce erosion and sustain coastal communities, making them increasingly important as a nature-based solution to climate change.

Indonesia has about 3.44 million hectares of mangroves, representing nearly one-quarter of the global total. As the country with the world’s largest mangrove area, Indonesia has extensive experience in conserving, restoring and managing tropical coastal ecosystems.

The WMC is intended to turn that experience into knowledge that can benefit other countries by linking research, policy, financing and practical management.

At the EGILAT forum in Shenzhen, Mr. Krisdianto, Director for Forest Product Levies and Administration at Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, introduced the initiative to Australia and offered cooperation in research, innovation and capacity building for coastal ecosystem management.

Mr. Arief Darmawan, an engineer at Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), said the WMC should bridge science, policy, financing and implementation while promoting common data standards and measurement methods.

Darmawan said mangrove management should also be assessed beyond the number of hectares restored or trees planted. Evaluation should consider ecosystem functions, including hydrology, biodiversity, sedimentation, coastal connectivity, soil carbon stocks and benefits for local communities.

Indonesia’s own programmes provide practical experience for this work. By the end of 2025, 91,678 hectares of mangroves had been restored, while 2026 programmes are targeting more than 17,000 additional hectares through partnerships including Mangroves for Coastal Resilience (M4CR), Forest Programme VI, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and NasCLIM.

These programmes could provide lessons for the WMC as it develops its international role. According to Darmawan, its first five years will be particularly important as it seeks to develop into a tropical mangrove data and observation hub connected to international networks such as Global Mangrove Watch.

If the WMC can turn Indonesia’s practical experience into credible research, reliable data and useful standards, it could help strengthen mangrove management across countries while giving Indonesia a stronger role in shaping global coastal ecosystem governance.

Source: ANTARA News

Pre-qualification opens for Indonesia’s waste-to-energy project partners.

Indonesia is taking another step towards expanding its waste-to-energy (WtE) sector as PT Danantara Investment Management (DIM), the investment arm of Danantara Indonesia, through its subsidiary PT Daya Energi Bersih Nusantara (Denera), has reopened registration for its Daftar Penyedia Terseleksi (DPT) pre-qualification under the Danantara Waste-to-Energy (PSEL) Programme.

The programme supports Indonesia’s efforts to reduce urban waste while increasing clean energy generation. Backed by Presidential Regulation No. 109 of 2025, Denera was established to lead the nationwide development and implementation of environmentally responsible waste-to-energy projects that convert municipal waste into electricity.

Building on strong interest from previous registration rounds, which attracted participants from seven countries, DIM is inviting qualified companies and consortium members to participate. The pre-qualification is open to organisations with expertise in waste-to-energy project development, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), technology provision, operations and maintenance (O&M), project financing, and related infrastructure services.

Fadli Rahman, Investment Director of PT Danantara Investment Management and Chief Executive Officer of PT Daya Energi Bersih Nusantara, said the expanded DPT would help build a competitive ecosystem of partners capable of delivering large-scale waste-to-energy infrastructure.

“Indonesia’s waste management challenges require strong partnerships with proven technology, financing capacity, operational expertise, and a long-term commitment. Through this registration, we aim to broaden participation from domestic and international companies that can support the successful delivery of the national PSEL Programme,” Rahman said.

PT Indonesia Infrastructure Finance (IIF) has been appointed as the Registration and Verification Agent. Interested parties can obtain the Registration Pack and submission guidelines by contacting danantara.wtepartnership@iif.co.id. IIF will also host two open briefing sessions on 7 August 2026, while the deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest and payment of the administrative fee is 13 August 2026.

Although the DPT is solely a pre-qualification process and does not guarantee project awards or future participation, the expanded registration underscores Danantara’s efforts to broaden its network of strategic partners. By bringing together experienced domestic and international companies, the programme aims to accelerate waste-to-energy infrastructure development while supporting Indonesia’s long-term waste management and clean energy transition.

Source: Danantara Indonesia

Hydrogen investment accelerates Indonesia’s clean energy transition and transport ambitions

Indonesia is accelerating the development of a green hydrogen ecosystem to strengthen energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and position the country as a future hydrogen hub in Asia. The initiative forms part of the Indonesian government’s broader clean energy transition strategy and long-term goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency.

Speaking at the Global Hydrogen Ecosystem Summit & Exhibition (GHES) 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, said hydrogen-powered vehicles could compete with battery electric vehicles (EVs) within the next five to 10 years as production costs decline and hydrogen technology matures.

A key pillar of the strategy is producing green hydrogen using renewable electricity from Indonesia’s planned 100-gigawatt (GW) solar power expansion. Excess electricity generated during periods of low grid demand can be converted into hydrogen, improving renewable energy utilization while reducing reliance on battery storage.

Minister Bahlil said geopolitical uncertainty, tighter global oil supplies, and rising energy demand could make hydrogen increasingly cost-competitive with conventional fuels while reducing Indonesia’s dependence on imported fossil energy.

To support commercial deployment, Indonesia’s state-owned electricity company PT PLN (Persero) and Indonesia’s state-owned energy company PT Pertamina (Persero) have established hydrogen refueling stations and are preparing hydrogen-powered public transport. President Director of PT PLN (Persero), Darmawan Prasodjo, said the company produces around 200 tons of hydrogen annually, of which only 75 tons are used internally, leaving significant surplus capacity for transportation and industrial applications.

Meanwhile, Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said the ministry is overseeing 93 hydrogen ecosystem projects worth Rp32 trillion (approximately US$2.05 billion), covering hydrogen production, storage, refueling infrastructure, and pilot transportation projects. The government has also launched Indonesia’s first Hydrogen Diesel Dual Fuel (H2 DDF) bus demonstration with state-owned operator Perum DAMRI.

Indonesia is also developing a 194-kilometer Green Hydrogen Corridor connecting Jakarta, Karawang, and Patimban to integrate hydrogen production, logistics, refueling stations, ports, and industrial estates into a unified low-carbon supply chain.

Beyond green hydrogen, the government is exploring naturally occurring white hydrogen, with Central Sulawesi identified as a priority exploration area. Supported by expanding infrastructure, national policy, and growing regional demand, Indonesia aims to become a leading producer, trading hub, and innovation center for hydrogen in Asia while advancing its 2060 net-zero emissions target.

Source: ANTARA News

$800m decarbonisation push, SAF levy delayed, nuclear studies advance

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) has released its Q1 2026 sustainability update, detailing a broad suite of measures aimed at strengthening the Republic’s green industry transition. The initiatives span decarbonisation funding, carbon market development, sustainable aviation fuel, energy-cost relief, and nuclear energy feasibility studies.

A centrepiece is the new S$800 million Decarbonisation Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) Grand Challenge. Announced during the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s Committee of Supply debate, the fund will support low-carbon technology development across the power and industry sectors over five years, as confirmed in the EDB round‑up.

Benedict Chia, Director‑General (Climate Change) at the National Climate Change Secretariat, said, “Singapore is committed to advancing high-integrity carbon markets as a key pillar of both global climate action and sustainable development.” The statement accompanied the launch of the Singapore Carbon Markets Programme with the World Bank Group, which aims to strengthen carbon market infrastructure, including interoperable registries and digital monitoring.

On aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) delayed the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) levy rollout. Director‑General Han Kok Juan stated Singapore remains “firmly committed to aviation decarbonization” but is taking a “pragmatic pause,” with the levy now applying to tickets sold from October 1, 2026, for flights departing January 1, 2027. The target remains for all departing flights to use at least 1% SAF from 2026, as outlined in the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint.

To cushion businesses from energy price volatility, the government expanded the Energy Efficiency Grant to all sectors, raised the corporate income tax rebate to 50% for Year of Assessment 2026, and rolled out a S$1 billion support package, according to the Business Times.

Meanwhile, Singapore is advancing its nuclear energy assessment. The National Environment Agency (NEA) will commission three studies on nuclear safety frameworks and environmental impacts. The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment announced that an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Phase 1 Mission will commence in 2027. “Singapore has not made a decision on the adoption or deployment of nuclear energy,” the ministry stated, but will continue building capabilities “as part of efforts to study all potential pathways for decarbonisation.”

References

EDB Q1 2026 Sustainability Round‑Up, 9 Apr 2026. https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/insights/latest-in-singapores-sustainability-scene-that-businesses-should-know-a-round-up-from-january-to-march-2026.html

Budget 2026: New S$800 million decarbonisation challenge, EDB, 2 Mar 2026. https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/insights/budget-2026-new-s800-million-decarbonisation-challenge-to-support-research-and-innovation-in-low-carbon-technologies.html

Singapore Partners with the World Bank Group to Launch Singapore Carbon Markets Programme, NCCS, 20 May 2026. https://www.nccs.gov.sg/singapore-partners-with-the-world-bank-group-to-launch-singapore-carbon-markets-programme/

Singapore delays SAF levy rollout to 2027, AeroTime, 28 Mar 2026. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/singapore-delays-saf-levy-middle-east-conflict

Singapore to raise corporate tax rebates from 40% to 50%, widen energy grant to ease Iran war impact, Business Times, 7 Apr 2026. https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/economy-policy/singapore-raise-corporate-tax-rebates-40-50-widen-energy-grant-ease-iran-war-impact

NEA To Commission Studies On Nuclear Safety Frameworks, NEA, 26 Mar 2026. https://www.nea.gov.sg/media/news/news/index/nea-to-commission-studies-on-nuclear-safety-frameworks-and-international-best-practices

Media Release on Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Phase 1 Mission, MSE, 19 May 2026. https://www.mse.gov.sg/latest-news/media-release-on-integrated-nuclear-infrastructure-review–inir–phase-1-mission/

Global energy leaders, investors, and innovators will convene in Riyadh to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and inclusive energy future.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The 25th WPC Energy Congress, under the theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All,” is scheduled to take place in Riyadh from April 26 to 30, 2026. The event marks the first time the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the congress, and it is expected to draw over 25,000 attendees, including a record number of energy ministers and state energy agencies representing more than 100 countries.

This Congress will serve as a platform for governments, industry leaders, global investors, researchers, and next-generation experts to collaboratively shape the future of energy. Discussions will primarily focus on enabling investment, accelerating innovation, and ensuring equitable energy access worldwide. Saudi Arabia, as a leading global energy producer, aims to highlight its comprehensive approach to balancing energy security, economic growth, and climate responsibility, in alignment with its Vision 2030 goals.

The event’s strategic location in Riyadh, a dynamic capital where millennia-old heritage meets cutting-edge innovation, offers delegates a unique experience. Beyond the official proceedings, attendees can explore Riyadh’s rich cultural tapestry, from historic sites and traditional souqs to a futuristic skyline and vibrant arts scene. This blend of tradition and modernity reflects Saudi Arabia’s bold transformation and abundant opportunities, providing an enriching environment for international delegates.

A sprawling 50,000-square-meter WPC Energy Exhibition will run concurrently with the Congress, showcasing over 500 national and international exhibitors. This extensive display will feature advanced technologies in oil and gas, breakthroughs in renewables, digitalization, and lower carbon developments. The Call for Papers for the Technical Programme is currently active, inviting experts from around the globe to share their invaluable knowledge and submit their expertise.

Hosting the WPC Energy Congress for the first time in its 90-year history reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment for inclusive innovation, international dialogue, and sustainable development to deliver pathways towards a sustainable and inclusive energy future for all.

For more information about the event, visit .��

Source: WPC Energy Congress Secretariat

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) adopts global carbon transparency framework, with Razer leading industry participation.

SINGAPORE, Singapore – At the recent Ecosperity Week 2025, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) unveiled a significant partnership aimed at improving carbon transparency in global supply chains. The collaboration introduces a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the Singapore Emission Factors Registry (SEFR) adopting the PACT (Partnership for Carbon Transparency) Methodology and Technical Specifications, Version 3.

This adoption marks a first in the world as SEFR becomes the first-ever emission factors registry to incorporate the PACT Methodology. The updated version enhances the accuracy and consistency of calculating and exchanging supplier-specific, product-level emissions data. It is expected to empower businesses with the necessary tools to make more informed decisions in their emissions reduction strategies.

The initiative aims to provide a platform for companies to share their product carbon footprint (PCF) data in a transparent, consistent, and trustworthy manner. By doing so, it will facilitate green procurement practices and accelerate efforts toward sustainability across industries. 

Razer Inc., the global leader in lifestyle gaming products, has already committed to being the first company to list its product carbon footprint data on SEFR. This move is seen as a key step in driving further adoption of PCF data across various sectors, setting a positive example for other businesses to follow.

The collaboration seeks to build an ecosystem where businesses can freely access high-quality emissions data to improve their sustainability practices. Companies both producing and consuming PCF data will benefit from enhanced discoverability and accessibility to carbon footprint information, further bolstering their environmental credentials.

The SEFR platform, led by SBF, already includes emission factors from prominent entities such as A*STAR, the National Environment Agency, and the Singapore Green Building Council, among others. Businesses can access the platform for free through the Net Zero Hub.

Source: Singapore Business Federation

Temasek team up with Bain & Company to unveil regional strategies for sustainable economic expansion, projecting $120B new economic value and 900,000 new jobs by 2030.

SINGAPORE – At the opening of Ecosperity Week 2025, a collaborative report titled Southeast Asia’s Green Economy 2025: Unlocking Systems for Growth and Impact was launched, aiming to steer the region towards a sustainable and economically beneficial future. The report, produced by Bain & Company and co-presented by Temasek, GenZero, Google, and Standard Chartered, outlines strategic initiatives to accelerate Southeast Asia’s decarbonisation efforts.

Franziska Zimmermann, Managing Director for Sustainability at Temasek, emphasized the importance of collective action: “While there are significant challenges to decarbonising Southeast Asia, our report uncovers critical growth opportunities for public and private sector players. Achieving meaningful systems change will require close collaboration across all stakeholders.”

The report identifies three primary avenues for sustainable growth: scaling the sustainable bioeconomy, modernizing domestic and regional power grids, and accelerating the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. These initiatives are projected to generate approximately $120 billion in new economic value and create up to 900,000 jobs by 2030.

In addition to these focal areas, the report highlights the necessity of enabling solutions such as expanding access to climate and transition finance, scaling carbon markets, and harnessing green artificial intelligence (AI). It also introduces a new perspective on the potential for collaboration between Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region to amplify the impact of the green economy.

The launch event at Ecosperity Week 2025, held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore, brought together leaders from various sectors to discuss and promote sustainable development strategies.

Source: Temasek

THE THEME “A CONNECTED AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY WORLD” HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF MODERNISING POWER INFRASTRUCTURE AND FOSTERING INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION FOR A GREEN ENERGY FUTURE.

The Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2024, centred around the theme “A Connected and Sustainable Energy World,” emphasises the critical need to modernise power grids, enhance regional interconnectivity, facilitate cross-border power trade, and promote green financing and carbon markets. SIEW 2024 will kick off with the SIEW Summit, featuring key segments like the SIEW Opening Keynote Address, Leaders Dialogue, and Singapore Energy Summit which will feature energy ministers, industry leaders, and representatives from international organisations.

Singapore remains committed to positioning itself as a hub for green energy. Ngiam Shih Chun, Chief Executive of the Energy Market Authority of Singapore, collaborated with Siemens to present initiatives related to green energy products and efficiency measures. These initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach, with Ngiam stating that Singapore has allocated $5 billion for the transition to net-zero emissions.

The collaboration between Singapore and Siemens represents real attempts to achieve sustainability goals, emphasising not only rhetoric but also action. Investments in low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen and geothermal energy, coupled with robust international collaboration and research and development efforts, are crucial for an effective and equitable energy transition.

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