Not Just Palm Oil, IPB University Rector Reveals 10 Potential Bioenergy Sources for Energy Transition
In the REPNAS National Conference & Awarding Night event held on Monday (14/10) by CNBC Indonesia together with the National Young Entrepreneur Volunteers (REPNAS), IPB University Rector, Prof Arif Satria, emphasized the importance of exploring bioenergy sources other than palm oil. This step is important to support Indonesia’s energy transition towards Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2060.
He mentioned that there are 10 bioenergy sources that have great potential to be developed in this new government era, including rubber, rice husks, waste, sugar cane, and wood.
“Indonesia has many natural resources that can be developed as bioenergy. This is the time for us to maximize all existing potential so that our renewable energy is increasingly diverse and sustainable,” he explained.
Prof Arif highlighted the importance of managing agricultural and industrial waste that has so far been neglected. One example highlighted is rice husks, which often just become waste.
“Rice husks have not been utilized so far. In fact, if managed properly, rice husks can be a very potential biomass fuel,” he explained.
He also revealed the potential of rubber and sugar cane. “Waste from sugar cane, such as pulp, has great potential to be used as biomass fuel. This can be an economical and environmentally friendly alternative,” he added.
Wood that has been used for construction can also be processed into briquettes or pellets for fuel. In addition, organic waste can also be an important source of energy.
“One way that can be done is by gasifying waste to produce cleaner and more efficient energy,” said Prof Arif. This effort, he said, also reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
According to him, waste from oil palm, such as empty bunches and palm fiber, can also be used as raw materials for bioenergy. Cassava also has the potential to be developed as a raw material for bioethanol, which can be produced locally.
“Cassava has only been used for food, even though it can be processed into alternative fuel,” said Prof Arif.
Another potential that must be considered is microalgae, which can be used as raw material for biodiesel and bioethanol in the future. “Microalgae have extraordinary potential as a very environmentally friendly fuel. Although still in the research stage, we must continue to develop it,” he said.
Another potential is that rice straw and corn stalks can be processed into biomass raw materials. Prof Arif emphasized that to realize this potential, collaboration between the government, industry, and universities is very necessary.
“Strong research and the right technology are very important so that research results can be implemented properly and are able to achieve energy security and contribute to reducing carbon emissions in accordance with the commitment towards NZE 2060,” he concluded. (MW/Rz) (IAAS/ASD)
