After its statute has been changed, Pertamina in the long term plans to develop renewable energy sources including geothermal energy into electricity.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - PT Pertamina (state-owned oil and gas company) through Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) is planning to do electricity business by exploiting geothermal potentials, Pertamina`s vice president for corporate communication Ali Mundakir said here Thursday.

The move is taken following a change in the company`s statute transforming the oil and gas company into an energy company on 19 July 2012, he noted.

"Currently Pertamina is not only focusing on oil and gas but may also be involved in development of renewable energy sources such as geothermal into electricity for sale," Ali said.

According to him after its statute has been changed Pertamina in the long term plans to develop renewable energy sources including geothermal energy into electricity.

In addition, Pertamina also plans to use excess power in each of its refineries to be converted into electricity.

Ali pointed out if Pertamina has an excess gas it would possibly set up a power plant in the location where the gas is produced to generate electricity for sale.

"The electricity may be sold to anyone who needs," he said.

To realize the electricity business plan, Pertamina plans to create a special structure namely a division of gas and power headed by a senior vice president. The division will handle Pertamina`s new renewable energy, he added.

Ali explained besides geothermal energy Pertamina will also develop solar cell energy, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding with PT LEN. The cooperation is aimed at realizing an integrated solar photovoltaic industry as a commitment of the company to improve its contribution to renewable energy development.

Meanwhile the director of Pertamina`s investment and management development M.Afdal Bahaudin said the statute change is expected to ease the company`s expansion to geothermal energy or coal bed methane business.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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