PGE's Geothermal Utilisation Drives Circular Economy and Decarbonisation

The utilisation of geothermal energy by PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) is increasingly demonstrating direct impacts on community economies and national decarbonisation efforts, particularly through clean energy-based programmes in its operational regions. Amid the push for energy transition, PGE is developing various innovations that not only curb emissions but also build a geothermal-based circular economy ecosystem at the local level. “We appreciate the efforts to promote and enhance the quality of our environmental management,” stated Minister of Environment and Forestry/Head of the Environmental Control Agency Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, in his remarks on Wednesday (8/4/2026). “To the companies that have received the Gold predicate, it is certainly an extraordinary pride,” he added. This programme-based approach is ultimately reflected in the company’s environmental performance achievements. This is evident from the PROPER Gold award, which was again received for the Kamojang and Ulubelu areas, for the 15th consecutive time and the 4th time, respectively. “PROPER Gold is proof of our operational approach, which integrates technical excellence with measurable environmental and social responsibility,” he said. “We want to ensure that every drop of geothermal steam we utilise also enhances community welfare,” added Ahmad Yani. Fish pond heating technology increases fish weight from 200 grams to 330 grams per fish and accelerates harvest time by up to 25 percent. This programme reaches 4,397 beneficiaries with total income of Rp 3.08 billion and an SROI value of 5.10. From an environmental perspective, there is a reduction in emissions of 146.28 tonnes of CO2 per year and a reduction in organic waste of 232 tonnes per year. In Ulubelu, the STREAM innovation reduces emissions by up to 28,513 tonnes of CO2. Meanwhile, the SAI BUMI JEJAMA programme produces 8 tonnes of fish, 674 kg of vegetables, and 120 tonnes of organic fertiliser per year. Chairman of the Indonesian Geothermal Association Julfi Hadi assessed that breakthroughs are needed to accelerate the development of this energy.