PLN EPI Strengthens Bioenergy Ecosystem with PLN R&D and Itera
Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) is strengthening the development of the national bioenergy ecosystem through research collaboration on energy crops, specifically kaliandra and sorghum, alongside PT PLN Pusat Penelitian dan Pengembangan Ketenagalistrikan (PLN Puslitbang) and the Sumatra Institute of Technology (Itera).
PLN EPI’s Director of Biomass, Hokkop Situngkir, stated in Jakarta on Sunday that this collaboration is aimed at supporting the development of biomass as a co-firing fuel for power plants, while also opening opportunities to utilise biomass as a raw material for green hydrogen production through the gasification process.
According to him, the development of energy crops is a strategic step to strengthen the resilience of the national biomass supply and support Indonesia’s energy transition agenda.
“In the future, the demand for biomass will continue to increase alongside the expanded implementation of co-firing and the development of national bioenergy. Therefore, PLN EPI is not only building the biomass supply chain but also encouraging research and innovation so that bio-based energy sources can be utilised optimally and sustainably,” said Hokkop.
Hokkop noted that kaliandra and sorghum are energy crops with great potential because they can be cultivated on marginal land, possess high productivity, and can be utilised for various energy needs, ranging from solid biomass to green hydrogen feedstock.
“Bioenergy plays a role not only in reducing emissions but also in creating new economic value for the community. Through this collaboration, we want to ensure that biomass development in Indonesia is supported by robust research, appropriate technology, and sustainable business models,” he added.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of PLN Puslitbang, Mochamad Soleh, stated that collaboration between industry and universities is a vital factor in producing innovations that can be tangibly implemented within the electricity sector.