Indonesia's Bio Farma supports energy transition in healthcare with CNG supply

Indonesia's state-owned pharmaceutical giant, PT Bio Farma, is integrating compressed natural gas (CNG) into its production operations in Bandung as part of a national energy transition initiative. This strategic shift is designed to enhance operational efficiency and bolster the reliability of energy supplies for critical health facilities.

Bio Farma's adoption of CNG, facilitated through a partnership with PGN Gagas, a subsidiary of PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), signifies the company's commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Specifically, it aligns with the goal of utilizing lower-emission energy sources. "Bio Farma is committed to implementing ESG principles, one of which is through the use of low-emission and more environmentally friendly fuels like CNG," stated Iin Susanti, Director of Operations at Bio Farma.

PGN Gagas, which specializes in providing gas supply via CNG and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to areas not covered by pipelines, views this collaboration as a crucial step in expanding CNG's reach to essential sectors. "The collaboration with Bio Farma is part of our commitment to expand the benefits of CNG to essential sectors that support the basic needs of the community, including health. The reliability of energy supply in production facilities like Bio Farma is very important as it concerns the continuity of production which directly impacts public health services," said Santiaji Gunawan, President Director of PGN Gagas.

This partnership will supply approximately 300,000 cubic meters of CNG per month to Bio Farma. The company anticipates this switch will lead to operational cost savings of up to 40 percent compared to its previous energy sources. As Southeast Asia's largest vaccine producer, with products used in over 150 countries, Bio Farma's need for a stable energy supply is paramount for uninterrupted production, thereby strengthening national energy security within the health industry.