By Rara Suratmi
ExxonMobil is emphasizing the transformative potential of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology for Indonesia’s economy, with the possibility of the country becoming a leading regional hub for the industry.
According to ExxonMobil Indonesia President Carole Gall, the growing momentum of CCS in Indonesia could catalyze significant economic growth, create new industries, and support the continued expansion of the country’s heavy industries while addressing environmental goals.
CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes and storing them safely and permanently underground. Indonesia’s geology makes it an ideal location for such storage, positioning the country to benefit from a technology critical to achieving global climate goals while sustaining economic development.
Gall describes CCS as a “transformative industry” with a “multiplier effect” that could help industries, such as cement, steel, and manufacturing, reduce their carbon footprint while continuing to thrive. These sectors, which are crucial to the economy, often produce emissions that are difficult to eliminate with current technologies.
“CCS enables hard-to-abate industries to continue their vital roles in the economy, especially for a rapidly developing nation like Indonesia,” Gall said in a statement on Thursday (April 3). “The potential for Indonesia is immense. CCS can help reconcile the need for industrial growth with the country's environmental ambitions, all while lifting living standards.”
Read also: ExxonMobil to invest $15 billion in Indonesia's CCS
In addition to environmental benefits, Gall highlights that CCS will attract new industries and investment to Indonesia. “By implementing CCS, we won’t just reduce emissions; we will also create new economic opportunities that will benefit the country for years to come,” she said.
A key advantage for Indonesia in advancing CCS is its people. With over 125 years of experience in the country, ExxonMobil has witnessed firsthand the wealth of talent available. Gall noted that more than 95% of the company’s Indonesian workforce is local, underscoring the expertise that can be leveraged to meet both energy and environmental challenges.
“Indonesia’s workforce is exceptional. Our Indonesian employees, from engineers to geoscientists, have the skills to not only provide the energy the country needs but also help reduce emissions through innovative technologies like CCS,” Gall explained.
In addition to leveraging local talent, ExxonMobil is working closely with Pertamina, Indonesia’s state-owned oil and gas company, on a CCS project called the Asri hub. This initiative could offer a storage capacity for several gigatonnes of CO2 from various sources in the region. The project is a collaborative effort that has received strong support from the Indonesian government, which is working to establish the regulatory framework for CCS activities in the country.
“The Indonesian government has been proactive in developing the regulations necessary for CCS,” Gall said. “Their collaborative approach, which includes input from the industry, is a critical part of making CCS a reality in Indonesia. We are excited to continue working together to create a transformative, sustainable future for Indonesia.”
Gall concluded by emphasizing the importance of CCS not only in reducing emissions but in addressing Indonesia’s growing energy needs. “We’re proud to be part of this transformative opportunity, helping to lift people’s standard of living while advancing energy and emission goals,” she said.
Indonesian Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani said in early December of last year that ExxonMobil has pledged to invest US$15 billion in advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in Indonesia.
Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak
