A tangible step in reducing carbon emissions in the national upstream oil and gas sector has now entered a new chapter. PT Patra Drilling Contractor (PDC) in collaboration with the Upstream Innovation Function of PT Pertamina Hulu Energi (PHE) has successfully implemented microalgae technology as an environmentally friendly solution to capture and utilize carbon dioxide (CO₂) in oil and gas production facilities.
This innovative trial was conducted at the Subang Gathering Station (SP), Pertamina EP Regional 2 Zone 7 Subang Area. Through a photobioreactor system utilizing 12,000 liters of microalgae culture, this technology is capable of absorbing CO₂ emissions by up to 0.11 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd). This step is recorded as one of the largest applications of biological-based carbon absorption technology within Pertamina's upstream oil and gas operational environment.
This initiative is designed to support Indonesia's 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets and strengthen Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the energy sector. Unlike conventional methods, this system converts CO₂ exhaust emissions into high-economic-value biomass. The processed product has the potential to be used as a soil enhancer to support bioremediation programs for degraded land.
Subang Field Senior Manager, Despredi Akbar, explained that the implementation of this microalgae technology is a concrete commitment to optimizing emissions management in operational areas. He hopes that this technology can be further developed on a larger scale to make a tangible contribution to the national energy industry's decarbonization agenda.
Meanwhile, VP Project of PDC, Achmad Rifai, stated that the success of this trial is strong evidence that synergy and innovation can yield applicable decarbonization solutions. PDC plays a crucial role from upstream to downstream of the project, covering engineering design, procurement, construction, installation, and system testing phases.
In the future, the Algatek Carbon Photobioreactor system is targeted to increase CO₂ absorption efficiency beyond 79 percent. This capacity development step not only aims to accelerate the transition to green energy within Pertamina but also to position Indonesia's oil and gas sector to remain globally competitive through the implementation of carbon credit programs.
