Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government\u2019s plan to implement B50 biodiesel\nfuel is considered capable of strengthening national energy security\nwhile reducing Indonesia\u2019s dependence on imported fossil-based\ndiesel.<\/p>\n
Professor Iman Kartolaksono Reksowardojo, a professor of mechanical\nengineering and an expert in combustion engines and renewable energy at\nthe Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), said increasing the biodiesel\nblend from B40 to B50 has the potential to enhance the utilisation of\ndomestic energy sources because the raw material comes from vegetable\noil produced within the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most tangible benefit that society can feel is a more secure\nenergy supply. We do not depend on imports and the use of dollars\nbecause the raw materials are available in Indonesia,\u201d Iman said when\ncontacted from Jakarta on Friday.<\/p>\n
Iman stated that biodiesel development is a strategic step amidst\nglobal energy market dynamics that can affect the availability and price\nof fossil fuels.<\/p>\n
Beyond energy security, Iman assessed that the use of biodiesel also\nprovides environmental benefits. Biodiesel contains oxygen that can help\nimprove the combustion process, potentially reducing exhaust emissions\nsuch as carbon monoxide (CO), smoke, and unburned hydrocarbons.<\/p>\n
The energy content or calorific value of biodiesel is relatively\nlower, but the presence of oxygen within it can support combustion\nquality and reduce emissions.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery technology has its advantages and disadvantages. Biodiesel\u2019s\ncalorific value is indeed lower, but from the combustion and emissions\nside, there are benefits to be gained,\u201d said the ITB researcher.<\/p>\n
This condition is supported by the abundant availability of vegetable\nraw materials in tropical regions. Professor Iman, who is also a\nprofessor at Pertamina University, said the potential for\nvegetable-based energy does not only come from palm oil but also from\nvarious other plants that can be developed as renewable energy sources\nin the future.<\/p>\n
Iman, who is involved in a discussion forum related to B50 testing,\nsaid interim results indicate that the use of this fuel does not cause\nsignificant problems in the engines tested, provided the biodiesel\nspecification quality is improved. However, the evaluation process is\nstill ongoing to ensure readiness for wider implementation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is important because Indonesia has a resource advantage to\nproduce vegetable-based fuel. This potential must be utilised to support\nenergy security as well as the transition towards more sustainable\nenergy,\u201d he said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/itb-expert-b50-biodiesel-strengthens-energy-security-cuts-solar-imports-1781877232", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }