Misconception: Biosolar Often Mistaken for Industrial Diesel

Industrial solar is actually diesel fuel used for non-public transportation purposes, particularly in the industrial and energy sectors. Its applications include factory engines, generators, heavy equipment, and seagoing vessels. Unlike vehicle fuel, industrial solar does not always adhere to strict emission standards. Jayan Sentanuhady, a lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), states that one of the main differences between industrial solar and vehicle solar is its subsidised status and regulations. The quality of industrial solar varies greatly depending on the type. Some have high sulphur content and are unsuitable for modern engines. Therefore, the selection of fuel type must be adjusted to the engine specifications to avoid damage. High speed diesel (HSD) is considered good-quality solar. HSD is used in high-revving diesel engines such as modern generators, certain heavy equipment, and some vehicles. Its characteristics are cleaner compared to other industrial solars. In Indonesia, fuels like Dexlite and Pertamina Dex have specifications close to HSD. These products have lower sulphur levels and are suitable for engines with more advanced technology. “MFO is not used in conventional ICE cars because the solar must be heated first before use due to its high viscosity,” says Jayan. MFO is used in ship engines or large-scale power plants designed specifically for it. The high sulphur content makes it unsuitable for small engines or modern vehicles. However, in terms of cost, MFO is relatively more economical for large needs. Additionally, there is automotive diesel oil (ADO), which is actually intended for vehicles. An example is Biosolar, which is widely used in trucks and buses. However, in certain distributions, ADO also falls into the industrial supply category. “Not all industrial solar has poor quality, but the range is wide, so it cannot be equated with solar that is generally sold for vehicles,” says Jayan.