KAI North Sumatra switches to B50 BioSolar fuel

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Regional Division I North Sumatra has officially transitioned all railway operations from B40 biodiesel to B50 BioSolar fuel, effective 5 July 2026. Manager of Public Relations for Divre I North Sumatra, Anwar Yuli Prastyo, stated in Medan on Monday that this strategic move represents the company’s tangible commitment to supporting the ‘Langit Biru’ (Blue Sky) programme while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. During the initial implementation period from 5 to 10 July 2026, KAI Divre I North Sumatra recorded the use of 97,580 litres of B50 BioSolar. Evaluation results indicate the fuel transition from B40 to B50 proceeded smoothly without disrupting public services. He explained that the plant-based fuel is applied comprehensively to support operations, including locomotives, power-generating carriages, and other operational facilities in the North Sumatra working area. ‘During the initial B50 implementation period, railway operations in Divre I North Sumatra ran normally. KAI continues to monitor facility performance as part of the evaluation to ensure services for passengers and freight users remain safe, comfortable, secure, and punctual,’ Anwar stated. The switch to B50, a blend of 50 per cent palm oil and 50 per cent diesel, complies with Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree Number 257.K/EK.01/MEM.E/2026. This regulation was issued by the government to accelerate national energy independence and halt diesel imports. Anwar added that the use of B50 BioSolar scientifically provides a significant positive impact on air quality in the North Sumatra region, as the resulting emissions are far lower compared to pure fossil fuels or previous biodiesel variants. Technically, the utilisation of B50 has been proven to reduce exhaust smoke density by up to 10.5 per cent. Furthermore, on a national macro scale, optimising B50 consumption is projected to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by an additional 4.8 million tonnes compared to the previous B40 usage, which stood at 39.66 million tonnes. Prior to the B50 era, KAI Divre I North Sumatra recorded the consumption of 3,079,580 litres of B40 biodiesel fuel throughout the period from 1 January to 4 July 2026 to power all its operational lines. Anwar affirmed that KAI will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the use of B50 not only benefits green energy sustainability but also maintains reliable railway facilities for customers. ‘With the use of this B50 diesel, KAI Divre I North Sumatra is not only reducing dependence on fossil fuels but also actively contributing to realising a cleaner North Sumatran sky. KAI is fully committed to maintaining facility reliability so that this environmental mission aligns with railway travel safety aspects,’ he said.