On 7 July 2025, PT Pertamina (Persero), through its subsidiary, Pertamina New and Renewable Energy (NRE), and PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) III (Persero) signed a cooperation agreement under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme. This agreement is part of a broader plan to develop renewable energy capacity in the Sei Mangkei Special Economic Zone (Kawasan Ekonomi Khusus/KEK). The collaboration between the two companies includes the development of a 3-megawatt (MW) solar power plant (PLTS), as part of joint efforts to accelerate the development of green energy technology in Indonesia. This collaboration has the potential to be expanded into other sectors, including biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and bioethanol. The Director of Pertamina NRE, John Anis, has stated that the operation of the 3 MW PLTS has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 4,100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per year, or approximately 102,500 tonnes of CO₂ over the 25-year collaboration period.
Furthermore, Pertamina NRE is conducting studies and developing innovations in energy production using plants, with the aim of expanding the plantation-based energy ecosystem, generating economic benefits for communities, and supporting national energy sovereignty. In addition, Pertamina NRE and PTPN III are collaborating on the management of a 2.4 MW biogas power plant (PLTBg) in the same area. This PLTBg utilises palm oil mill effluent (POME). The PLTBg is designed to generate carbon credits with a volume of up to 66,000 tonnes of CO₂e. The programme supports the government's efforts to optimise national renewables and attract investors to the KEK Sei Mangkei, particularly to its green energy industrial area.
