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Tech and Innovation
Biomass energy is one of the renewable energy forms derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste, household waste, and industrial waste. Amid climate crises and dependence on fossil fuels, biomass emerges as a solution that is not only environmentally friendly but also has the potential to strengthen national energy security. In Indonesia, with its abundant natural and agricultural resources, biomass energy development holds significant potential.
Biomass energy is obtained from renewable organic materials. These materials include plant residues, animal waste, wood waste, and even organic household waste. Biomass can be converted into energy through various methods, both thermal and biochemical.
As an agrarian country, Indonesia generates a large amount of agricultural waste annually. For instance, waste from rice and corn harvests that were previously burned or discarded can now be utilized as energy sources.
Waste from logging activities and the wood industry, such as sawdust and small wood pieces, can be converted into briquettes or used directly as fuel for biomass power plants.
Kitchen and organic waste from households and traditional markets can be fermented to produce biogas, which can then be used for cooking or electricity generation.
These plants use biomass as the primary fuel to generate electricity. This technology has already been implemented in several regions in Indonesia, such as PLTBm Saliguma, Madobag, dan Matotonan – Pulau Siberut, Sumatera Barat and PLTBm Siantan – Mempawah, Kalimantan Barat.
Biogas plants ranging from household to industrial scales have been developed in various Indonesian villages, primarily for utilizing animal manure and household organic waste.
Cookstoves powered by biomass such as coconut shell and rice husk briquettes provide an efficient and affordable solution for households, especially in rural areas.
Biomass helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions because it is a carbon-neutral energy source.
The use of biomass reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and decreases open burning practices.
Utilizing waste as an energy source plays a key role in promoting a circular economy by turning organic and industrial waste into valuable energy. This process not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfills but also stimulates local economies by creating new job opportunities in waste collection, sorting, processing, and biomass energy production.
Biomass technology still requires high upfront costs, especially for power plant construction and large-scale biogas installations.
Limited access to modern technologies and supporting infrastructure is a major barrier to evenly developing biomass energy across Indonesia.
Many people are still unaware of the benefits and working principles of biomass, thus requiring extensive educational efforts.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Indonesia’s biomass energy potential is estimated at 32,654 MW (megawatts). However, utilization remains below 10% of this total potential [ESDM, 2013].
The Indonesian government has issued various regulations to promote the use of renewable energy, including biomass, such as Presidential Regulation No. 112 of 2022 on the Acceleration of Renewable Energy Development for Electricity Supply. Additionally, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives are available for business actors in the renewable energy sector.
In the National Energy Policy (KEN), biomass is an essential part of the 23% renewable energy target in the national energy mix by 2025[1]. Biomass is seen as a solution for areas not yet connected to the national electricity grid.
Although solar and wind technologies are rapidly developing, biomass has its advantages because it can generate continuous (baseload) energy and is not weather-dependent.
Some Indonesian villages have independently developed biomass energy projects, such as biogas programs from cow manure in West Java and agricultural waste utilization in Bali.
Campaigns and training on converting organic waste into energy can enhance public awareness and active participation in the energy transition.
Biomass supports national energy security by providing a reliable local energy source, particularly for remote areas not connected to the PLN grid. This is crucial for reducing dependence on imported fuels and improving energy self-sufficiency.
Technological advances such as portable gasifiers, small-scale pyrolysis reactors, and digital monitoring systems open significant opportunities for biomass optimization.
Successful biomass development depends heavily on collaboration between government, private sector, academia, and communities, as each plays a crucial role: governments create enabling policies, private companies invest in infrastructure, researchers develop efficient technologies, and communities ensure local adoption and sustainable resource management.
Conclusion
Biomass energy is one of the most promising solutions to Indonesia’s energy and environmental challenges. By utilizing abundant organic waste, we not only gain a clean energy source but also contribute to reducing waste and carbon emissions. Support from all levels of society and government will be critical to the success of this energy transformation.
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