Review of NFPA 780 Standard Compliance for Improved Lightning Protection in Indonesia’s Oil and Gas Industry

Lightning represents a critical danger to facilities such as oil tank farms, with the potential to cause major explosive incidents. To address this risk, Indonesia’s oil and gas industry has adopted the NFPA 780 Standard for lightning protection systems. However, tank explosions and refinery disruptions caused by lightning strikes continue to occur annually, highlighting the need to reassess the standard’s self-protection criteria, particularly in Indonesia’s tropical climate. The NFPA 780 standard was primarily developed based on lightning characteristics in subtropical regions. This study evaluates its effectiveness in tropical environments, where lightning parameters such as peak currents, frequencies, and ground flash densities differ significantly. By analyzing specific incidents of tank explosions in Indonesia, the research reveals that compliance with the NFPA 780 standard alone may not be adequate to protect critical infrastructure. To address these challenges, this study proposes a novel approach to lightning protection by designing solutions tailored to the unique characteristics of tropical climates. By incorporating local lightning parameters, the proposed measures aim to enhance safety and resilience in oil and gas facilities. This research provides a framework for adapting international standards to regional needs, improving the effectiveness of lightning protection in tropical environments.