JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – PT Medco Energi Internasional Tbk (MedcoEnergi) has embraced solar panels as a clean energy source in its operations to reduce carbon emissions and harness Indonesia’s vast solar energy potential.

Medco Energi, founded in 1980, is an Indonesian energy company engaged in the exploration, production, and development of oil and gas. Over the years, it has expanded its operations to include power generation and renewable energy projects. The company operates both domestically and internationally and is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Medco Energi emphasizes sustainable growth and responsible energy production.

“MedcoEnergi has gradually integrated renewable solutions into its operations, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting global efforts to combat climate change,” said Ronald Gunawan, Director & Chief Operating Officer of MedcoEnergi, in Jakarta on Friday.

Previously, MedcoEnergi’s operations relied on conventional energy sources such as gas and diesel fuel. To reduce the use of these energy sources, the company has adopted clean energy technologies in its operations.

The company has installed several solar panel systems to meet the electricity needs of its operations. From onshore facilities to offshore installations, solar panels have become an integral part of MedcoEnergi’s infrastructure.

At onshore facilities, solar panels are installed in open fields to optimize sunlight absorption, as well as in street lighting systems within operational areas. Offshore, solar panel installations on platforms have become a primary choice. Additionally, solar panels have been installed on rooftops at shorebase locations to maximize available space.

Ronald revealed that by the end of 2023, solar panel installations had been completed at 18 upstream oil and gas operational sites, both onshore and offshore, with a total capacity of 422 kWp.

“This initiative has not only reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1,597 tons of CO2e per year but also decreased fossil fuel consumption,” he said.

According to Ronald, the shift to solar energy provides both environmental and economic benefits for the company. By reducing long-term operational costs through decreased fossil fuel use, MedcoEnergi can optimize its resources more efficiently.

Furthermore, this move strengthens relationships with stakeholders who increasingly demand concrete actions to mitigate climate change impacts.

“This initiative offers economic benefits and enhances our reputation amid global demands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Ronald added.

MedcoEnergi plans to expand its use of solar energy in the future. The company continues to evaluate the potential for solar panel installations at its other upstream oil and gas operational sites.

“To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, MedcoEnergi and its upstream subsidiaries have initiated a shift from stationary combustion to electricity from the PLN grid and renewable energy sources such as solar panels,” Ronald said.

By 2023, MedcoEnergi had successfully reduced over 26,000 tons of CO2 per year across its various operational areas. This achievement was made possible through the utilization of solar panels with a total capacity of 422 kWp and the transition to electricity from the PLN grid, totaling 487.5 kW.

These initiatives are concrete actions towards implementing MedcoEnergi’s Climate Change and Energy Transition Strategy, launched in 2021 as part of the company’s Sustainability Roadmap initiated in 2017. MedcoEnergi aims to achieve Net Zero Emissions for scopes 1 and 2 by 2050 and scope 3 by 2060. (Uki Ruknuddin)