SBRC IPB University Hosts International Conference on Biomass and Bioenergy 2024, Discusses Biomass Energy Sources
The Surfactant and Bioenergy Research Center (SBRC) at IPB University, in collaboration with the International Society of Biomass and Bioenergy (ISBB), held the 9th International Conference on Biomass and Bioenergy (ICBB) in a hybrid format (August 5-6) in Bogor. This event was supported and sponsored by the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS).
The conference, themed “AI Innovation and Global Collaboration for Bioenergy in the Decarbonization Era,” aimed to promote sustainable palm oil ‘Sawit Baik’ on an international scale. It also served as a platform for disseminating advancements in science and technology in the fields of biomass and bioenergy, crucial for supporting decarbonization efforts.
Dr Meika Syahbana Rusli, Chief of SBRC IPB University, highlighted that one of Indonesia’s most promising sources of renewable energy (RE) comes from biomass. Biomass has numerous potential applications in the energy system, such as electricity generation, thermal energy, and fuel (biofuel) for vehicles.
“Biomass-based bioenergy offers a solution to energy security challenges, the transition from fossil fuels to more environmentally friendly energy sources, and achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets,” he explained.
He further elaborated that Indonesia has significant biomass potential derived from plantations, agriculture, forestry, cellulose biomass, and more. According to him, ensuring a sustainable biomass supply for bioenergy is crucial for decarbonizing the global energy system.
Implementing biomass as a domestic energy source can be achieved by ensuring that energy resources are not merely export commodities but also serve as assets for national development. This shift in paradigm, Prof Meika noted, requires a different perspective on existing energy sources, including biomass.
However, Prof Meika pointed out that the implementation of a renewable energy mix still faces various challenges, necessitating ongoing efforts to develop it. Additionally, in the context of climate change mitigation, biomass and bioenergy play a significant role in decarbonizing the global energy landscape.
This event, also supported by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Blockchain, Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Network (BRAIN) IPB University, the Indonesian Bioenergy Experts Association (IKABI), the Indonesian Biogas Association (ABgI), Hiroshima University, and Villanova University, was attended by participants from eight countries: Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, the United States, Turkey, Nigeria, and Australia.
The opening session featured Prof Ernan Rustiadi (Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Agromaritime Development at IPB University), Arfie Thahar (BPDPKS), and Andriah Feby Misna, ST, MT, MSc (Director of Various RE, Directorate General of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of ESDM). Through the ICBB, it is hoped that collaborations among various stakeholders can be initiated to support the decarbonization of the global energy system. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)
