Converting Sugarcane Waste into Bioethanol: PTPN I Prepared for ASEAN Exports

PT Perkebunan Nusantara I (PTPN I-Persero) has reaffirmed its commitment as a state-owned plantation enterprise to support national energy security programmes and accelerate the national energy transition through the downstreaming of the plantation sector into bioethanol.

The President Director of PTPN I, Abdul Rivai Ras, stated that the development of bioethanol as a new and renewable energy (EBT) source at PTPN I is carried out through its subsidiary, PT Energi Agro Nusantara (Enero). This subsidiary processes sugarcane molasses into various high-value products, including fuel-grade ethanol for fuel blending, as well as extra neutral alcohol for use as a raw material in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, and for the production of methylated spirits and bio-fertilisers.

The downstreaming of sugarcane is a strategic move to develop renewable energy that can reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. PTPN targets an annual bioethanol production of 30 million litres, with the potential to expand operations for export to the ASEAN region.