PLN EPI Targets 3.65 Million Tonnes of Biomass Supply for Coal-Fired Power Plants
PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia is targeting biomass supply for coal-fired power plants (PLTU) to reach 3.65 million tonnes throughout 2026. One of the steps being taken is expanding the utilisation of palm shells as cofiring fuel at PLTU facilities.
The latest effort involved sending approximately 6,700 tonnes of palm shell biomass to PLTU Teluk Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. The biomass was transported by barge from the Berau region.
Biomass Director at PLN EPI Hokkop Situngkir stated that the shipment was the largest single biomass delivery the company had ever conducted. “We hope this is a good beginning to achieve our target supply of 3.65 million tonnes in 2026,” said Hokkop in a written statement on Wednesday, 10 March 2026.
Previously, PLN EPI had also sent 5,600 tonnes of sawdust biomass by barge to PLTU Tanjung Awar-Awar in Tuban, East Java.
According to Hokkop, palm shells are one of the leading types of biomass alongside sawdust. This fuel has relatively high calorific value, approaching that of coal, making it suitable for supporting the cofiring programme at PLTU facilities.
With these characteristics, he stated that the use of palm shells can increase the proportion of biomass in the fuel mixture of coal-based power plants. Beyond fuel quality, PLN EPI considers maritime transport routes as the most effective solution for biomass distribution. “Transporting by barge also enables larger cargo volumes compared with land routes,” he said.
Hokkop explained that biomass raw material sources in Indonesia are scattered across various regions. In Kalimantan, for instance, palm shell availability is quite abundant, whilst in other areas it is not always available.
For this reason, maritime distribution is considered important so that biomass supply can reach various PLTU facilities across Indonesia. He cited the possibility that in future, palm shells from Kalimantan would be shipped to power plants in Sulawesi. Conversely, biomass from other regions could also be supplied to plants on different islands. Previously, sawdust from Sulawesi was shipped to PLTU in Tuban, East Java. “Maritime transport is one solution to ensure more balanced inter-island biomass distribution according to each PLTU’s needs,” said Hokkop.