Techno-Economic Analysis of Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant as A Green Hydrogen Producer

Abstract

The utilization of renewable energy is becoming increasingly important in addressing the challenges of climate change and the need for clean energy. The potential to produce hydrogen from renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, offers an attractive solution to support the transition to clean energy. In this paper, the author uses a case study approach to analyze the hydrogen production potential of the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant. The analysis method includes modeling the potential for hydrogen production based on the characteristics of the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant, while the economic analysis includes planning investment costs, operational and maintenance costs, and Levelized Cost of Hydrogen. Based on the operational condition, it shows that the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant has the potential to produce hydrogen using Alkaline Water Electrolysis technology. The economic analysis reveals that the hydrogen production infrastructure requires investment costs for Green Hydrogen Plant Infrastructure, operational costs must be considered to optimize LCOH and revenue from hydrogen sales can increase company profits in line with the PLN Group's Beyond kWh program. The results of this study are the basis for consideration, both from technical and economic aspects, in planning and implementing hydrogen production projects from renewable energy sources. The implication of this analysis is that the Kamojang Geothermal Power Plant has the potential to become a hydrogen producer in the future, where the hydrogen can be used commercially to support the PLN Group's Beyond kWh program and provide benefits to the environment by producing low-emission electrical energy fuel.