JAKARTA – The Indonesian government, through the ministry of energy and mineral resources (MEMR),  will conduct a series of biodiesel 40 percent (B40) tests in non-automotive sectors, which include trains, ships, agricultural equipment and machines, heavy equipment units, and power plants. Previously, the B40 has undergone trials in automotive sector.

The MEMR’s Oil and Gas Research Institution (LEMIGAS) Chairman Mustafid Gunawan said that the tests will be conducted during the next eight months. “Currently, LEMIGAS is conducting a test of B40 in generator engines and industrial heavy vehicles,” Mustafid said in a written statement on Tuesday (21/5/2024).

According to Mustafid, LEMIGAS had conducted joint inspections with PT KAI, PT Pertamina Patra Logistik, and KA Logistik in Cirebon, West Java, on 14 May 2024. His institution has also conducted a survey of the development of infrastructure for preparations of the B40 test in train. “Relying on our experts, the survey has been conducted successfully,” Mustafid said.

Currently, the government is implementing the B35 mandatory production policy, which is a mixture of 65 percent fossil diesel fuel and 35 percent fatty acid methyl esther (FAME) from palm oil, at an expected total production of 13.41 million kiloliters in 2024. The quota is based on the success of B35 program in 2023.

The MEMR projected that minimum stock of palm oil needed to support the B40 program is around 17.57 million kiloliter. It is based on the asumption of diesel fuel need in 2024 at 38.04 million kiloliters. Meanwhile, with the asumption of the growth of GDP at 5%, then the distribution of B40 will need domestic CPO stock at around 17.57 million. (*)

Source: sawitkita.id