KAI confirms all diesel assets ready for B50 biodiesel implementation

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has confirmed that all diesel assets are ready to implement B50 biodiesel, in line with the government mandate effective 1 July 2026. Vice President of Corporate Communication Anne Purba stated that the readiness covers locomotives and power-generating carriages, which are essential to diesel-based railway operations. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has announced a three-month transition period to allow for field adjustments, including the management of existing fuel stocks and the full adoption of B50. Anne said KAI supports the government’s policy to strengthen the use of domestic bioenergy. This support is demonstrated through asset readiness, technical application trials, and the reinforcement of safety and operational reliability aspects. The readiness was bolstered by joint trials with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources on diesel railway assets. The tests aimed to ensure that the use of B50 matches railway operational characteristics, both for locomotives and power-generating carriages. For locomotives, testing focused on engine response when using B50 under railway travel patterns, with monitoring of engine performance, combustion stability, fuel consumption, and key component conditions to ensure reliability during customer service. For power-generating carriages, testing examined generator set performance, fuel consumption, emissions, filter conditions, and operational endurance. These stages are crucial because power-generating carriages maintain the electricity supply that supports passenger comfort during journeys. Anne explained that the use of B50 in railway assets requires measured technical readiness, which is why KAI conducted testing, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure alignment with railway safety standards. From a sustainability perspective, the implementation of B50 strengthens KAI’s contribution to the national energy transition agenda. Increasing the biodiesel blend helps expand the use of domestic renewable energy, reduces reliance on fossil diesel, and supports emission reduction efforts in the transport sector. KAI has progressively used biodiesel in its diesel assets, from B35 to B40, and this experience forms part of the company’s readiness to enter the B50 phase with a safe, measured, and operationally appropriate technical approach.