Indonesian companies expand biomass use for energy transition

Indonesian companies are expanding the use of biomass to support energy transitions and reduce carbon emissions. PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) is targeting the expansion of national biomass utilization to accelerate Net Zero Emission goals. Indonesia possesses an estimated 200 million tons of biological residue annually, with 80 million tons identified as highly potential for use, though current utilization stands at approximately 20 percent.

PLN EPI has integrated bioenergy into its Accelerated Renewable Energy Development (ARED) program. Last year, the company absorbed approximately 2.5 million tons of biomass for co-firing in steam power plants, involving nearly 200 partners, the majority of which are MSMEs, village-owned enterprises, and cooperatives.

In the industrial sector, PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (SIG) is utilizing biomass at its Tuban plant to reduce fossil fuel dependency. The facility consumes approximately 400 tons of rice husk per day, sourced from local farmers and milling companies. Other biomass materials used by SIG include cocopeat, corn cobs, sawdust, and sugarcane bagasse as part of its 2030 Sustainability Roadmap.