Analyst confident B50 can strengthen Indonesia's energy security

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Energy observer and Secretary-General of the Indonesian Petroleum Experts Association (IATMI), Hadi Ismoyo, has said the launch of the B50 biodiesel programme forms part of efforts to strengthen national energy security.

“The presence of B50 is extremely important in breaking the chain of diesel imports and represents an initial step in the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy that is more environmentally friendly and based on local resources,” Hadi said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.

As such, the presence of B50 is expected to reduce dependence on imported fuel whilst accelerating the transition towards cleaner energy.

Hadi believes the use of B50 offers benefits beyond energy security. He said the programme also supports the sustainability agenda.

“The use of biodiesel produces a CO2 footprint around 50 to 60 per cent lower than fossil fuels. In some developed countries, emission reductions can even reach around 80 per cent under certain conditions,” he said.

Nevertheless, Hadi noted that the successful implementation of B50 requires strong governance from upstream to downstream.

One of the main challenges is ensuring that palm oil plantations are developed sustainably so as not to trigger excessive deforestation.