ESDM: Hydrogen Vehicles for Long-Distance, Eco-Friendly Travel

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has stated that hydrogen-powered vehicles are designed for long-distance travel whilst remaining environmentally friendly. Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation at the Ministry of ESDM, Eniya Listiani Dewi, explained in Jakarta on Tuesday that the characteristics of hydrogen cars differ from electric vehicles (EVs), which are more suited to relatively shorter distances. “The concept is that EVs are for certain distances and are best charged at home. Indeed, the direction from BRIN’s research is that EVs are intended for continuous daytime use, then can be recharged at home overnight. Meanwhile, the hydrogen concept is for long distances,” Eniya said. She noted that this does not mean hydrogen-powered vehicles will compete with EVs, but rather that their use is based on different segments and user needs. She cited a hydrogen project being developed on Rengit Island in collaboration with PT PLN (Persero) to support the dedieselisation programme, or the reduction of diesel power plant usage in remote areas. Eniya explained that the planned 100 GW solar power plant programme could serve as an instrument to produce hydrogen. Furthermore, she estimated that implementing this system could significantly reduce electricity generation costs, with diesel-based electricity currently costing around Rp20,000 per kWh, or approximately 1 US dollar per kWh, potentially being reduced to around 25 US cents per kWh. Eniya also requested relevant stakeholders to conduct further calculations over a period of six to twelve months so that the impact of this dedieselisation effort can be measured and recorded. “And we shall see whether this continues to roll out over the months, as it was only recently trialled. I have asked for calculations up to six months, then up to one year. We will prove that dedieselisation can be implemented,” Eniya said.