PLTU Indramayu Continues to Use Biomass for Power Generation

PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) has signed a cooperation agreement with PT Bumi Wiralodra Indramayu (BWI) for the supply of rice husk biomass pellets to support cofiring at PLTU Indramayu, operated by PLN Nusantara Power. The partnership aims to strengthen Indonesia’s national bioenergy ecosystem and support the country’s energy transition and Net Zero Emissions targets.

Hokkop Situngkir, PLN EPI’s Biomass Director, described the collaboration as a strategic move to utilise agricultural waste biomass locally. He noted that production could reach 3,200-3,300 tonnes monthly with technical adjustments in operations. PLN EPI aims to escalate supply volumes beyond the initial contract, indicating accelerated collaboration.

Robani Hendra Permana, BWI’s CEO, highlighted the company’s commitment to developing biomass business given Indramayu’s potential. With 127,000 hectares of rice fields producing 1.6 million tonnes of paddy annually, the region has an estimated 300,000 tonnes of rice husk residue. However, collecting husks spread across 31 districts poses logistical challenges. BWI has invested in three production machines with a combined monthly capacity of 3,000 tonnes, currently operating at 50% capacity. Robani added that scaling up production could create over 100 jobs.

PLN EPI is also exploring sorghum-based bioenergy collaboration with PT Sorbu Agro Energi, conducting biomass management training with ITB for farmer groups to support the 2025-2034 RUPTL targets, and promoting biomass gasification to accelerate diesel phase-out in remote areas. The company is strengthening national energy resilience through an integrated bioenergy supply chain.