BRIN optimises triglycerides for renewable fuel development

Jakarta (ANTARA) — The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is conducting catalytic research to optimise the use of triglycerides as a feedstock for renewable energy.

Kiky Corneliasari Sembiring, a mid-level researcher at BRIN’s Catalysis Research Centre, said triglycerides in vegetable oils could be processed into various fuels, including green petrol (green gasoline), green diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.

“Carbon from biological sources can be replenished through the relatively short growth cycle of plants. The use of renewable carbon is considered capable of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting the sustainable energy transition,” she said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

She said several methods can be used to convert triglycerides, including transesterification, hydroprocessing, pyrolysis and hydrolysis.

Hydrolysis breaks triglycerides down into fatty acids and glycerol, which can then be processed into hydrocarbons. Tests on the hydrolysis of palm oil were conducted for 20 minutes at temperatures ranging from 170 to 330 degrees Celsius.

The research is also developing nickel–tin-based catalysts supported by activated carbon. These are being developed as an alternative to precious-metal-based catalysts.

“The aim is to produce a more economical catalyst while improving the performance and stability of the vegetable-oil conversion process. We are exploring nickel-based catalysts as a more affordable alternative,” Kiky said.

In addition to vegetable oils, she highlighted the potential of used cooking oil and other non-food feedstocks for biofuel production. Using these materials could increase the value of waste while supporting the adoption of a circular economy.

She said fuel made from used cooking oil has an emissions intensity of about 18 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule, compared with about 89 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule for fossil jet fuel.

The figures indicate a potential emissions reduction of about 80 per cent under the scenario used. The scale of the reduction depends on the type of feedstock, production process, energy requirements and emissions-accounting method.

Through this research, BRIN is developing catalytic technology to convert renewable carbon sources into higher-value energy products.