Sorghum-Based Bioenergy Development Accelerates the Energy Transition and Reduces Emissions

PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (EPI) is exploring a sorghum-based bioenergy development in collaboration with PT Sorbu Agro Energi as part of efforts to support the national energy transition and the net-zero emissions (NZE) target. Hokkop Situngkir, Director of Biomass at PLN Energi Primer Indonesia, said that biomass offers a direct route to reducing carbon emissions by substituting coal at coal-fired power plants (PLTU). ‘Unlike other renewables that replace energy supply, biomass can cut emissions directly. Substituting a portion of coal use with biomass is a concrete step in reducing emissions,’ he said in a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday. According to Hokkop, sorghum-based bioenergy development also aligns with the government’s Astacita agenda, particularly in strengthening energy resilience and national food security. He noted that countries such as Japan and South Korea continue to increase biomass use while seeking new supply sources to meet their energy needs. Currently, PLN Energi Primer Indonesia has developed almost 14 types of biomass for cofiring in PLTU. The company has also secured biomass supply contracts of around 1 million tonnes through nearly 100 partnerships with various partners. The collaboration was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding in Jakarta on Monday (18 May). In this collaboration, PLN EPI acts as the off-taker of biomass as well as the developer of the primary energy ecosystem, while cultivation is undertaken by the partners. ‘We focus on providing and absorbing biomass for the power plant. For the cultivation sector, we work with partners to create a sustainable ecosystem,’ added Hokkop. Verdi Budiman, Director of PT Sorbu Agro Energi, said they currently manage land concessions of around 10,000 hectares in Gorontalo with potential development up to 40,000 hectares through a social forestry programme. The initial development phase will be in Totopo village, covering an area of 218 hectares, located about 56 kilometres from PLTU Anggrek. Verdi explained the project will be developed using the penta-helix approach involving the government and state-owned enterprises, communities and the public, the private sector, academia, and the media. ‘We are expected to become the locomotive for a social forestry programme based on an integrated ecosystem including biomass energy, livestock, biogas, and other derivatives. The collaboration will involve PLN EPI and the Faculty of Agriculture at Gorontalo State University.’ The scope of collaboration includes feasibility studies for bioenergy development, the construction of a biomass hub in Sulawesi, technology studies, and exploring the use of woody biomass and other bioresources to support the national energy transition. Hokkop regards the sorghum-based bioenergy collaboration as a concrete step toward building a people-centred clean energy ecosystem. He said local potential can be developed into a global solution to reduce emissions, strengthen energy resilience, and improve community welfare.