Work

Hydrogen's potential and policy pathways for Indonesia's energy transition: The actor-network analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This research examines potential uses of hydrogen as an alternative energy source in Indonesia. Hydrogen presents a more environmentally friendly energy alternative with markedly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, leading the Indonesian government to align its interests with the worldwide excitement for hydrogen-based energy transitions within the sustainable development context. Nevertheless, despite its intriguing potential as an alternative fuel for transportation, industry, and power generation, pilot programs have demonstrated that hydrogen energy remains expensive and demands substantial advancements in technology. This study used a qualitative methodology, incorporating documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions within the actor-network theory framework, aimed to investigate the current positioning of hydrogen energy in Indonesia's policy pathways and to examine its potential and challenge. The findings indicate two primary insights: firstly, Indonesia's energy transformation is presently centered on formulating action plans and regulatory frameworks, with hydrogen seen as one of the proposed alternatives. The investigation of hydrogen's current progress through the actor-network theory framework has yielded two separate actor networks: the proponent network, consisting of the national government and the national oil company, and the opposing network, which encompasses academics, businesses, and industries. • Study analyzes hydrogen potential in Indonesia using ANT, revealing proponent and opposing actor networks. • Research finds Indonesia's energy transition emphasizes action plans and regulatory frameworks, with hydrogen as a promising resource. • Three drivers for hydrogen implementation in Indonesia by 2031: minimizing production costs, implementing carbon taxes, and providing incentives for development.

Source: Unconventional Resources

DOI: 10.1016/j.uncres.2025.100175

Authors: Chrisna T. Permana, Chanel Tri Handoko, Konstantin Gomonov

Institutions: Sebelas Maret University, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia

Language: English

Topic: Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems

Subfield: Energy Engineering and Power Technology

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Universitas Sebelas Maret