Publications

The development of East Kalimantan as the province of Indonesia's new capital city presents unique challenges and opportunities for advancing sustainable energy practices. This study investigates the economic and technical feasibility of implementing Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology to mitigate emissions from local gas refineries while generating clean hydrogen. By capturing methane and other greenhouse gases that are often lost through flaring or venting, the project seeks to transform emission sources into hydrogen production, supporting Indonesia’s energy transition goals. Key technologies include advanced membrane separation and Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) to convert captured methane into "Blue Hydrogen."

The study employs economic modeling, feasibility assessments, and technology cost analyses to evaluate the potential of CCUS-integrated hydrogen production. Membrane separation systems will target gas streams to optimal the capture of CO₂, CH₄, and other by products, achieving a high capture efficiency rate. Economic assessments explore the competitive production cost of blue hydrogen ($1.00-2.00 per kg) compared to conventional fuel sources. Additionally, a life-cycle analysis of carbon capture highlights the environmental impact and potential reductions in greenhouse gasses.

Results indicate that the proposed CCUS system can achieve up to 90% reduction in carbon emissions from gas refineries, with hydrogen generation of approximately 58–67 GWh of power within a 12-hour operational cycle under optimized conditions, yielding both environmental and economic benefits. The competitive price of blue hydrogen positions it as a viable energy source for East Kalimantan, aligning with Indonesia's Sustainable Development Goals. This dual-focus on emission reduction and clean fuel production underscores the economic and environmental potential of CCUS technology in supporting a resilient, sustainable energy infrastructure for the new capital.