The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) announced that carbon emissions from oil and gas operations could decrease by 60% by 2030. This prediction aligns with the Net Zero Emission scenario from the World Energy Report, according to Noor Arifin Muhammad, Director of Engineering and Environment at the Directorate General of Oil and Gas ESDM, during the Indonesia Petroleum Association Conference and Exhibition (IPA Convex) 2024 in Tangerang, Banten. Arifin explained that the 60% reduction corresponds with the expected 50% decrease in the global oil and gas supply emissions intensity by 2030. He acknowledged that achieving this reduction presents significant challenges for the oil and gas industry. However, he clarified that emission reduction does not equate to reducing oil and gas production. He emphasized that emissions can be reduced through carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, which capture and store carbon without necessarily reducing oil and gas production. "If carbon is captured and stored, it does not cause emissions. It doesn't necessarily mean reducing oil and gas," Arifin said.
Regarding the ministerial regulations derived from Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 14 of 2024 on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) activities, Arifin mentioned that these regulations would be finalized within 2–3 months from May 2024. "It is in the process of being drafted. The Minister (of ESDM, Arifin Tasrif) has requested completion in the next 2-3 months," he stated. Currently, 15 CCS/CCUS projects are in the study phase, with four projects progressing to the plan of development (POD) stage. These projects include the Tangguh EGR/CCUS, Abadi CCS in the Masela Block, Sakakemang CCS, and Sukowati CCUS/EOR. When asked about the potential for CCS projects to become national strategic projects (PSN), Arifin indicated that this could happen if proposals are submitted. "It could happen (become a PSN). PSNs are proposed. Currently, the Tangguh CCUS project is a PSN," Arifin concluded.
