{"id":31769,"date":"2026-08-16T10:41:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-16T03:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gapki.id\/en\/?p=31769"},"modified":"2026-08-26T09:47:04","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T02:47:04","slug":"understanding-palm-biodiesel-and-fame-in-ris-energy-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gapki.id\/en\/news\/2026\/08\/16\/understanding-palm-biodiesel-and-fame-in-ris-energy-transition\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Palm Biodiesel and FAME In RI\u2019s Energy Transition"},"content":{"rendered":"

Palm oil-based biodiesel has become one of the most successful downstream products in the Indonesian palm oil industries. Its use has not only reduced reliance on the fossil fuels, but also supporting the national energy resilience, creating added value to the palm oil industries, and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission (GHG).<\/p>\n

Along with the development of the national mandatory program of biodiesel, from B20, B30, B35, B40 up to B50, the term palm biodiesel and FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) has been increasingly used. But apparently, there are still many people who consider the two as different products.<\/p>\n

In fact, the palm biodiesel that is currently used in the national biodiesel program is basically palm oil-based FAME.<\/p>\n

What is palm biodiesel?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Palm-based biodiesel is a biofuel produced from palm oil and used as a substitute for, or blend with, fossil-based diesel fuel. Biodiesel falls under the category of biofuels\u2014fuels derived from biomass or renewable biological resources.<\/p>\n

As a form of renewable energy, palm-based biodiesel plays a strategic role in supporting the energy transition toward a more sustainable energy system. Beyond its use in the transportation sector, biodiesel is also utilized in industries, heavy machinery operations, and power generation.<\/p>\n

For Indonesia, the development of palm-based biodiesel is also a crucial part of efforts to enhance the value of palm oil products through domestic industrial down-streaming.<\/p>\n

What is FAME?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

FAME, or Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, is a fatty acid ester compound produced through the transesterification of vegetable oil using methanol and specific catalysts.<\/p>\n

In this process, the triglycerides contained in palm oil are converted into FAME, which can be used as fuel for diesel engines. This technology is the most widely used method in the world in producing biodiesel because it is relatively mature, efficient, and commercially proven.<\/p>\n

Consequently, when the public or industry players in Indonesia refer to palm biodiesel, they almost invariably mean palm oil-based FAME.<\/p>\n

Palm biodiesel and FAME: What is the relation?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To understand the relationship between the two, it is important to note that “biodiesel” is a broader term than FAME.<\/p>\n

Simply put:<\/p>\n