Hydrogen has the potential to replace fossil fuels. Countries worldwide are committed to promoting the use of renewable energy despite the limitations of oil and gas resources.
Moreover, fossil fuels are the largest contributors to carbon footprints and environmental pollution.
In Indonesia, hydrogen energy research has not been widely developed, even though research and application of hydrogen energy have long been implemented in advanced countries like the United States and Europe.
Hydrogen researcher Professor Deendarlianto from the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FT UGM), stated that hydrogen could be used as a substitute for fossil fuels because it can generate immense energy without leaving a carbon footprint or environmental waste.
“Hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in various sectors, such as transportation and power generation,” Professor Deendarlianto said during an interview at the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at FT UGM Friday (Sep. 13).
Professor Deendarlianto, as he is commonly called, explained that the hydrogen research he is conducting with his team is a collaborative project funded by the government and several industries, such as PLN and Pertamina.
Additionally, the project involves various universities from Indonesia and internationally, such as UI, ITS, NTU, and the University of Groningen from the Netherlands.
In this collaborative project, the main focus of the research is on green hydrogen production, a type of hydrogen produced through environmentally friendly methods.
“We are also leading a research program related to hydrogen storage methods,” he said.
Although still in the research and development stage, Professor Deendarlianto noted that the research has already shown significant results.
However, one of the biggest challenges he and his team face is related to hydrogen storage, ensuring that the stored hydrogen does not leak or escape.
This is because if hydrogen comes into contact with oxygen, it can cause unwanted damage. Additionally, another issue of concern is the complex treatment process of hydrogen and the worry about whether the tools used can withstand the burden of hydrogen storage.
In his research on hydrogen storage methods, Professor Deendarlianto involves many PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s students. He also collaborates with students from other universities, such as Universitas Udayana, in the MBKM Research Program.
Despite the complicated research process, he added that if hydrogen research can be applied, it would significantly benefit everyday life. Hydrogen can be used in various sectors, not only in the energy sector but in many other fields.
“Hydrogen can be applied in many sectors globally in the future, not only in energy but also in industry, transportation, and electricity,” he emphasized.
Professor Deendarlianto is continuing his research to find more affordable and accessible hydrogen-based methods.
“The future focus is on fast, inexpensive, and high-capacity production,” he said.
Professor Deendarlianto hopes the government will continue to encourage and commit to supporting hydrogen energy development research in the country. Hydrogen has the potential to become a clean and renewable energy source that could be applied on a large scale.
Author: Hanif
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif