PLN EPI to develop sorghum bioenergy in Gorontalo

Substituting part of coal usage with biomass is a concrete step in reducing emissions. Jakarta (ANTARA) - PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) is exploring a collaboration to develop sorghum-based bioenergy with PT Sorbu Agro Energi as part of efforts to support the energy transition and the net-zero emissions (NZE) targets. Hokkop Situngkir, Director of Biomass at PLN Energi Primer Indonesia, in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, said that biomass has the advantage of directly reducing carbon emissions through the substitution of coal at power plants. “Unlike other renewables which are substitutive, biomass is able to reduce emissions directly. Substituting part of coal usage with biomass is a concrete step in reducing emissions,” he said. He added that the development of sorghum-based bioenergy not only supports the energy transition but also aligns with the government’s Astacita agenda, namely energy security and national food security. Currently, several countries such as Japan and South Korea are continuing to increase biomass utilisation and seek new supply sources. PLN EPI has developed nearly 14 types of biomass for cofiring in coal-fired power plants (PLTU). To date, the company has secured biomass supply contracts totalling around 1 million tonnes through nearly 100 collaborations with various partners. In the collaboration signed with a memorandum of understanding in Jakarta, Monday (18 May 2026), PLN EPI acts as biomass off-taker as well as developer of the primary energy ecosystem, while cultivation activities are carried out by the partner. PLN EPI ensures offtake certainty and a sustainable business model for the parties involved. “We focus on the supply and absorption of biomass for power generation. For the cultivation sector, we work with partners to create a sustainable ecosystem,” added Hokkop. Meanwhile, Sorbu Agro Energi Director Verdi Budiman said that the company currently manages a concession of around 10,000 hectares of land in Gorontalo, with potential development up to 40,000 hectares through the social forestry programme. Initial development will be carried out in Totopo Village, Gorontalo, on an area of 218 hectares located about 56 kilometres from the Anggrek Gorontalo Utara coal-fired power plant. The project will be developed using a pentahelix approach involving government/BUMN, communities, private sector, academia, and media. “We are expected to become the locomotive for a social forestry programme based on an integrated ecosystem that includes biomass energy, livestock, biogas, and other derivatives. This collaboration will involve various parties, including PLN EPI and the Faculty of Agriculture, Gorontalo State University,” he said. The scope of cooperation includes studies on bioenergy development, the development of a biomass hub in Sulawesi, technology studies, and the exploration of using woody biomass and other bio-resources to support the national energy transition. Hokkop added that the sorghum bioenergy collaboration is a concrete step toward building a people-centred clean energy ecosystem, where local potential is turned into a global solution to reduce emissions, strengthen energy security, and promote community welfare.