Heaptalk, Jakarta — To achieve the target of net zero emission (NZE) in the energy sector by 2060, Indonesia demands several breakthroughs supported by all parties, one of which is through the development of bioenergy.
The development of bioenergy is considered one of the energy transition strategies from fossil energy to new, renewable, and environmentally friendly energy. This strategy was discussed in a webinar entitled ‘Potential and challenges of bioenergy development in contributing to the achievements of the Net Zero Emission 2060 Program’ held by the Bangkit Energi Indonesia Hijau (Benih) Foundation (11/09).
“The development of bioenergy is one of the Government’s important strategies in the energy transition to fulfill the Paris Agreement commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. Through this webinar, we hope to continue to raise this critical issue to many parties, specifically to the younger generation,” said Chairman of the Central Leadership Council of the Kesatria Muda Republika (KMR) Iwan Bento Wijaya.
According to Iwan, the 37 years that Indonesia has to reach Net Zero Emissions 2060 is not a long time in the context of the energy transition. Although the potential for bioenergy in Indonesia is abundant, Iwan said its utilization is still not optimal.
The potential for new renewable energy reaches 3,687 GW
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) revealed the potential for abundant new renewable energy reaching 3,687 GW, consisting of solar, hydro, bioenergy, wind, geothermal, and marine, as well as uranium and thorium potential. Looking at this data, the potential for new renewable energy in Indonesia is very large, spread, and diverse.
“Our bioenergy produces biofuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas, and solid biomass. However, of all that, we have only utilized 0.3% of the existing potential,” said a researcher at the Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center (PYC) Akhmad Hanan.
From a regulatory perspective, the government has issued a number of regulations as the legal basis for national energy policy. According to Akhmad, the mandatory biodiesel policy program, for example, is one of the successful implementations of government regulations. He voiced, “We can see that the achievements of bioenergy for new renewable energy are significant since the mandatory biodiesel policy program has been implemented from 2016 until now.”
Use of crude palm oil for biodiesel
In Indonesia, the raw material for biodiesel comes from crude palm oil (CPO). Of the approximately 50 million tons of CPO produced per year, the need for biodiesel reaches around 7.5 tons. The use of CPO as raw material for biodiesel directly increases farmers’ income, especially since around 40% of palm oil plantations in Indonesia are smallholder plantations.
Based on data from the ESDM Ministry, the mandatory biodiesel policy has succeeded in significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while increasing economic benefits. “In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the mandatory biodiesel policy, starting from B20, B30, to B35 this year, provides a large bioenergy contribution when compared to other new renewable energy,” he added.
He further hoped that the latest government regulation, namely Presidential Regulation No. 112 of 2022 on the Acceleration of Renewable Energy Development for the Supply of Electric Power, could encourage a significant acceleration of the energy transition. “Bioenergy electricity generation in 2060 is targeted to reach 60 GW (NZE target), progress until 2023 is only around 3 GW. Therefore, extraordinary efforts are needed,” concluded Akhmad. (Translated by Sinta)
