Indonesian Locomotives and Power Cars Now Using B50, with Unexpected Results
Energy transformation is a vital component in the development of future transportation. As a rail-based transport operator, PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) continues to strengthen energy efficiency through operational innovation and the use of fuels with increasingly higher biodiesel content.
All diesel-powered locomotives and power cars managed by KAI have been using the B40 biodiesel blend since January 2026. Furthermore, starting from 1 July 2026, KAI has implemented the use of B50 across all diesel-powered locomotives and power cars for the operation of Long-Distance and Local Trains managed by the company.
KAI Vice President of Corporate Communication, Anne Purba, stated that the implementation of B50 is part of KAI’s strategy to increase operational energy efficiency while supporting the reduction of carbon emissions from train journeys.
“Future transportation requires increasingly efficient and measurable energy management. Through the implementation of B25, KAI continues to optimise energy use with higher biodiesel content to support increasingly sustainable railway operations,” said Anne.
Based on fuel consumption data for the period of 1 January to 24 August 2026, KAI has used approximately 172,228,585 litres of fuel for its managed railway operations. This consumption includes the requirements for diesel-powered locomotives and power cars for KAI’s Long-Distance and Local Train services.
During the 55 days of B50 implementation, specifically the period from 1 July to 24 August 2026, the increase in biodiesel blend from B40 to B50 has provided additional benefits in carbon emission reduction. Based on estimated fuel consumption for KAI’s operations during this period, fuel requirements are projected to reach approximately 40 million litres.
The 10 per cent increase in biodiesel content compared to B40 usage is estimated to result in an additional biodiesel utilisation of about 4 million litres. Using the emission reduction benefit approach of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ biodiesel programme, the implementation of B50 during this period is projected to provide an emission reduction of approximately ±9,000 tonnes of CO2e compared to the B40 usage scenario.
This calculation is an estimate focused on KAI’s Long-Distance and Local Train operations. Every mode of transport has different energy characteristics and carbon footprint calculation methods; therefore, emission calculations for electric-based services or other modes use their own specific approaches.
In terms of public service, KAI’s Long-Distance and Local Train services served approximately 29.86 million passengers between January and July 2026. Using this estimation approach, the emission reduction benefit from the 55-day implementation of B50 is equivalent to approximately 0.3 kg of CO2e per passenger of KAI’s Long-Distance and Local Trains.
Anne explained that energy efficiency is a key part of strengthening KAI’s operational performance. In addition to the implementation of biodiesel, KAI continues to develop various efforts through the optimisation of facility use, the utilisation of renewable energy, and data-driven energy consumption management.
“Railways have the characteristic of being a mass transport mode capable of serving large numbers of people in a single journey. Therefore, increasing energy efficiency in railway operations contributes to the development of increasingly effective and sustainable transportation,” said Anne.
The implementation of B50 strengthens KAI’s steps in supporting the national energy transformation while providing rail transport services that are increasingly efficient, modern, and sustainability-oriented.