JAKARTA –- Indonesia has a big potential to become one of the main players in developing biogas based on the palm oil. Having a total oil palm plantation areas of 16.8 million hectares and production of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) of around 250 million tons per year, the potential renewable energy is very promising for Indonesian economy and its environment.
Big potential of palm waste as a source of renewable energy
Prof. Dr. Erma Yulihastin, a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Board (BRIN), revealed that Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) or liquid waste from palm oil mills is a strategic energy source. Approximately 0.5 tons of POME are generated for every ton of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) processed, bringing the total national potential of this liquid waste to 125 million tons annually.
“POME contains high levels of organic matter and is continuously available as long as palm oil mills are in operation,” Prof. Erma explained in Jakarta on Monday (17/08/2026).
Benefits of POME-based Biogas: Green, economic, and Social
The development of biogas based on palm oil waste yields positive impacts across various sectors:
Environment
- Reduces methane emissions from open waste ponds.
- Lowers organic matter levels in waste, reduces odors, and prevents soil and water pollution.
- Supports renewable energy targets and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction goals.
- Biogas facilities can reduce emissions by 1,131 tons of CO₂ equivalent per month.
Economy and Social
- Creates new jobs in the construction, operation, and maintenance of biogas facilities.
- Lowers energy costs for palm oil mills.
- Once purified into bio-CNG, the biogas can be used as fuel for vehicles or local industries.
“The economic benefits can be shared by the company, the local workforce, and the surrounding community, provided that the management process directly involves the local area,” said Prof. Erma.
Governmental support through BPDP and GRS Program
The government, through the Plantation Fund Management Board (BPDP), continues to drive innovation in palm-based bioenergy. One such initiative is the Palm Oil Research Grant (GRS) program, which provides full funding covering everything from design, installation, and production to vehicle testing.
This move aligns with efforts to:
- Reduce reliance on fossil energy imports.
- Improve the oil and gas trade balance.
- Mitigate global warming and climate change.
Energy Potential: 3.6 billion m³ of biogas per year
Tungkot Sipayung, Executive Director of the Palm Oil Agribusiness Strategic Policy Institute (PASPI), explained that every ton of POME can yield 28.8 m³ of biogas through methane capture technology.
With a potential of 125 million tons of POME annually, Indonesia has the opportunity to produce 3.6 billion m³ of biogas per year.
This biogas can be used for:
- Power generation (mills, employee housing, offices, and surrounding communities).
- Household gas consumption.
- Vehicle fuel (following purification).
Key policy to optimize POME Biogas
Currently, the utilization of POME for biogas in Indonesia has reached only 15% of its total potential. Tungkot Sipayung proposes three strategic policies:
- Implementation of palm oil-based carbon trading, specifically targeting POME.
- Mandatory methane capture at every palm oil mill, accompanied by investment incentives.
- Mandatory blending of biogas with fossil gas for national energy needs.
“If these three policies are implemented, all palm oil mills will install methane capture systems. Consequently, the availability of gas and bio-electricity will increase, emissions will decrease, and palm oil mills will generate new revenue,” concluded Tungkot.
Conclusion: RI is potential to become global player of green energy
With abundant potential of palm oil waste, research support, appropriate policies, and investment incentives, Indonesia has the potential to not only reduce emissions and energy imports, but also to become a global leader in the production of palm-based renewable energy. (*)
Beritasatu.com. Indonesia Berpeluang Jadi Raja Biogas Sawit Dunia Berbasis Limbah POME. https://www.beritasatu.com/ekonomi/3019745/indonesia-berpeluang-jadi-raja-biogas-sawit-dunia-berbasis-limbah-pome
