Biogas derived from palm oil waste has come up again in the spotlight as a potential source of alternative green energy in the future. The National Research and Innovation Board (BRIN) states that the waste of palm oil industry, when processed using biogas technology, has the potential to generate electricity with a power generation capacity equivalent to 3.9 gigawatts (GW).
Discussed with President as Research Agenda
BRIN Chairman Arif Satria stated that the utilization of palm oil waste for energy was among the research agendas discussed with President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday (27/10/2026). According to him, biogas canister technology still requires further development to allow for more widespread application.
Opportunity of Circular economy for Palm oil industry
In addition to producing palm oil as the primary product, palm oil processing also generates organic waste. Through biogas technology, this waste can be converted into gas that serves as an energy source, transforming what was once a disposal burden into something of added value. This approach aligns with the principles of a circular economy and can support national energy diversification based on domestic resources.
It’s Potential with Challenges of Implementation
It should be noted that the 3.9 GW figure represents an estimated potential, not the capacity of power plants that are already installed or in operation. Its realization depends on several factors:
- Technological readiness and feasibility
- Investment costs
- Availability of raw materials
- The capacity to build energy processing and distribution systems
Utilizing palm oil waste for biogas creates an opportunity to link the strengthening of the plantation industry with the development of renewable energy. Support in the form of research, technology, and investment will determine the extent to which this potential can be transformed into an actual energy supply.
investor.id. “BRIN Ungkap Potensi Listrik 3,9 GW dari Biogas Limbah Sawit”, 28 Oktober 2026.
