Kuala lumpur: SumiSaujana Group Bhd (SumiSaujana) is set to expand its operations into Indonesia, following its wholly owned subsidiary SumiSaujana TCM Chemicals Sdn Bhd (SSTCM) signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the development of a wet gas sulphuric acid (WSA) facility at PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional's (KPI) refinery units in Indonesia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MoU involves collaboration with KPI, SPCI HELM Malaysia Sdn Bhd, and Denmark-based TOPSOE A/S. SumiSaujana executive deputy chairman Toh Chee Seng stated that the agreement allows the parties to assess the technical, commercial, and financial viability of implementing a WSA project under a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model.

The proposed facility aims to convert acid gas from refinery operations into commercial-grade sulphuric acid and recover heat for reuse, reducing emissions and aligning with environmental regulations. This initiative supports Indonesia's goal of reducing its reliance on imported sulphuric acid as the country strives for self-sufficiency.

SumiSaujana executive director and chief operating officer Ramli Mohamad highlighted that this collaboration marks the first Malaysian-led green technology initiative in Indonesia. KPI chief executive officer Taufik Aditiyawarman mentioned that the refinery plant is expected to commence operations in 2029, requiring an investment between US$50 million and US$100 million.

KPI, a sub-holding company of Indonesia's national oil company PT Pertamina (Persero), will provide essential refinery data, site access, and operational support for the feasibility assessment. SSTCM will lead the technical and commercial evaluation, coordinating with TOPSOE on WSA technology inputs and collaborating with SPCI HELM on sulphuric acid offtake and logistics.

The MoU was signed by Toh, Taufik, TOPSOE Southeast Asia managing director Amrul Atiqi Sansudin, and SPCI HELM Malaysia chief executive officer Teah Choon Lee.