KAI North Sumatra switches to B50 BioSolar fuel
PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Regional Division I of North Sumatra has officially shifted all of its railway operations from B40 biodiesel to BioSolar B50 as of 5 July 2026.
Public Relations Manager of North Sumatra Regional Division I, Anwar Yuli Prastyo, said in Medan on Monday that the strategic step demonstrates the company’s real 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 North Sumatra recorded BioSolar B50 usage of 97,580 litres.
Evaluation results show that the transition from B40 to B50 fuel has proceeded smoothly without disrupting public services.
He explained that the biofuel is being applied comprehensively to support operations, from locomotives and generator trains to other operational rolling stock across the North Sumatra working area.
“During the initial phase of B50 implementation, rail operations in North Sumatra Regional Division I have run normally. KAI continues to monitor the performance of its assets as part of the evaluation, so that services to passengers and freight customers remain safe, comfortable, secure and punctual,” said Anwar.
The switch to B50, a blend of 50 per cent palm oil and 50 per cent diesel, reflects KAI’s compliance with Energy and Mineral Resources Ministerial Decree No. 257.K/EK.01/MEM.E/2026.
The regulation was issued by the government to accelerate national energy independence and halt diesel imports.
Anwar added that the use of BioSolar B50 scientifically delivers significant positive effects on air quality in North Sumatra, as the emissions produced are far lower than those of pure fossil fuel or previous biodiesel variants.
Technically, the use of B50 has been shown to reduce the density of exhaust smoke 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 4.8 million tonnes more compared with B40, which previously stood at 39.66 million tonnes.
Before entering the B50 era, KAI North Sumatra recorded consumption of 3,079,580 litres of B40 biodiesel between 1 January and 4 July 2026 to power all of its operational lines.
Anwar affirmed that KAI will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that the use of B50 not only benefits green energy sustainability but also keeps railway assets reliable in serving customers.
“With the use of B50 diesel, KAI North Sumatra is not only reducing dependence on fossil fuels but also actively contributing to realising cleaner skies over North Sumatra. KAI is fully committed to maintaining asset reliability so that this environmental mission runs in harmony with railway travel safety,” he said.