Protecting the Environment: PLN Nusantara Power Operates First Microalgae Carbon Capture Technology in the Power Sector at Muara Karang Power Plant
Jakarta, April 18, 2026 – PT PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating the energy transition and decarbonization through its latest technological innovation. Located at the Muara Karang Gas and Steam Power Plant (PLTGU), PLN NP officially introduced a Carbon Capture project utilizing Microalgae Photobioreactor (FBR) technology, which has been operational since late March 2026. This Carbon Capture Reactor innovation using Microalgae FBR technology is the first of its kind to operate in Indonesia’s electricity sector.
Hartanto Wibowo, Director of Corporate Planning and Business Development of PT PLN (Persero), provided an overview of this Carbon Capture innovation.
"The emissions produced must be captured through the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage model. Through PLN Nusantara Power's breakthrough in piloting carbon capture from algae, a successful outcome will open up massive opportunities for Indonesia to reduce carbon emissions. PLTGU Muara Karang is also the pioneer in Indonesia for producing green hydrogen," Hartanto explained.
This technology utilizes a photobioreactor unit with a capacity of 3,000 liters. Based on preliminary research, the internal process within the reactor achieves an efficiency rate of 70–90%, with an overall average $CO_2$ capture efficiency of 75%.
Sripeni Inten Cahyani, a member of the National Energy Council (DEN), also expressed appreciation for the birth of this innovation.
"The Muara Karang generation unit has become a center of leading energy innovation because it has pioneered both green hydrogen and algae-based CCS. The concept championed by PLN NP in this Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) initiative is Green CCS, which means utilizing something that already exists," Sripeni explained.
Interestingly, the byproduct of this carbon capture does not turn into waste. The resulting algal biomass holds economic value as it can be utilized as organic fertilizer. This creates a circular economy ecosystem where emission reduction runs hand-in-hand with environmental and economic benefits.
President Director of PLN Nusantara Power, Ruly Firmansyah, emphasized that the success at PLTGU Muara Karang serves as a vital foundation for future decarbonization technology development. PLN NP plans to replicate this innovation across other power generation units to expand its positive environmental impact.
He stated that this initiative represents a tangible step by the company to support the national commitment toward Net Zero Emissions through applicable, value-added technology.
“PLTGU Block 3 Muara Karang generates $CO_2$ emissions of 4–6% of the total flue gas. Through this photobioreactor technology, we have achieved highly encouraging results, with the $CO_2$ emission capture rate ranging from 70 to 90% of the exhaust gas. Every month, we also obtain side products in the form of solid and liquid Algal Biomass, which can be processed into aquaculture feed or organic fertilizer,” Ruly said during his remarks at the Site Visit event in Jakarta on Friday (April 17).
Through this site visit, which was attended by members of the National Energy Council (DEN) and the management of PT PLN (Persero), PLN NP hopes to gather constructive feedback to refine both technical and commercial aspects, including the potential to strengthen biomass offtakers and leverage carbon credits.
This milestone is expected to transform PLN Nusantara Power into a greener, more sustainable, and globally competitive energy company for the future of Indonesia's energy landscape.
“Power plants are no longer just energy providers; they are now part of the environmental solution. We will continue to strengthen collaboration with the government, academia, and the private sector to pioneer sustainable, low-carbon technologies,” Ruly added.
PLTGU Muara Karang currently has a total installed capacity of 2,105 MW. The plant also anchors the electricity supply for VVIP areas, including the Presidential Palace, the Parliament Buildings (DPR/MPR), government ministries, as well as the international airport and the MRT mass transit system.
Contact Person:
Harry Purnomo
Vice President of Corporate Communication & CSR
PT PLN Nusantara Power
Tel. 031 8283180
About PT PLN Nusantara Power
PT PLN Nusantara Power is a subholding of PT PLN (Persero) that continuously dedicates itself to serving the Indonesian nation and state, while driving national economic growth by providing high-quality, reliable, and environmentally friendly electricity. PT PLN Nusantara Power manages power plants across Indonesia with a total capacity of 18,573 MW. With a vision to become the leading and trusted power generation company for sustainable energy in Indonesia and the global market, PT PLN Nusantara Power is committed to achieving Net Zero Emissions through the development of more than 6.3 GW of new and renewable energy and by becoming a pioneer of green power generation throughout Indonesia. PLN Nusantara Power continues to improve and innovate while upholding the principles of Good Corporate Governance (GCG).