The coal mining company PT Bukit Asam Tbk. (PTBA) continues to diversify its business to accelerate its target of achieving net zero emissions (NZE) by 2060. As a state-owned enterprise and a member of the MIND ID Group, PTBA is working on several green projects, including new and renewable energy (NRE), hydrogen development, and lithium battery raw materials.

Key Points:

• PTBA President Director Arsal Ismail underscored that transforming coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheets showcases the company's unwavering dedication to advancing the government’s agenda of coal downstreaming and bolstering national energy security
• PTBA Unveils Ambitious Green Projects: Pioneering NRE, Hydrogen Innovation, and Lithium Battery Development
• PTBA Teams Up with French Partner to Advance Pioneering Hydrogen Fuel Initiative

Courtesy Source: https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/market

Courtesy Photo Source: Dominik Vanyi on Unsplash

Recently, PTBA, in collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), launched a pilot project to convert coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheets for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery raw materials. This coal-to-Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheet conversion is the first of its kind in the world.

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Artificial Graphite is a key material in the production of anodes, while Anode Sheets serve as the positive electrode where oxidation reactions occur, making them essential components for Li-ion batteries.

Dilo Seno Widagdo, Director of Portfolio & Business Development at MIND ID, stated during the soft launch of the project that all companies within the MIND ID Group are committed to maximizing the added value of Indonesia's mineral and coal resources. This commitment is fulfilled through the mandate to manage strategic resources and reserves, carry out downstream processing, and lead the market to become a world-class company.

The pilot project is expected to progress to commercial stages. However, its sustainability requires strong support and in-depth economic analysis.

Meanwhile, PTBA President Director Arsal Ismail emphasized that the development of coal into Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheets demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting the government's policy of promoting coal downstreaming and ensuring national energy security.

"Bukit Asam aims to provide uninterrupted energy for the nation. One of our efforts is to create a clean coal industry in Indonesia. The implementation of coal-based Anode Sheets, which is the first in the world, is a significant breakthrough in coal downstreaming. This development will also support the growth of the domestic electric vehicle industry," Arsal said in a public disclosure on Monday (August 2, 2024).

Courtesy Photo Source: Dominik Vanyi on Unsplash

The demand for Artificial Graphite and Anode Sheets is expected to increase in the future, alongside the growth of the electric vehicle industry. Beyond electric vehicles, these materials are also needed in other industries such as energy storage, electronics, and medical equipment.

This downstreaming aligns with PTBA's vision of becoming a world-class energy company that cares about the environment while supporting the achievement of Net Zero Emissions (carbon neutrality) by 2060 or sooner.

In March, Arsal mentioned that the company is exploring opportunities for developing hydrogen-based NRE. This could be for PTBA's own needs or to strengthen partnerships within the company's future transport and production business chain.

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To realize this hydrogen fuel project, PTBA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a French company.

Previously, PTBA had built a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in collaboration with PT Angkasa Pura II (Persero), which has been fully operational since October 2020. The PLTS has a maximum capacity of 241 kilowatt-peak (kWp) and is installed at the Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC) Building.

In addition to working with PT Angkasa Pura II, PTBA has also collaborated with Jasa Marga Group to develop PLTS along toll roads. The 400 kWp PLTS on the Bali-Mandara Toll Road was completed and began operations on September 21, 2022.