InfoSAWIT, MUKOMUKO – Mukomuko Regency in Bengkulu has drawn significant attention following a visit from three Japanese investors interested in establishing a Biomass Power Plant (PLTBm) utilizing palm oil waste. The October 2024 visit marks a promising step toward sustainable waste management and green energy transition in the region.
A PLTBm generates electricity from biomass, including organic materials like palm kernel shells, empty fruit bunches (EFB), fruit fibers, and crude palm oil (CPO). Mukomuko’s abundant palm oil waste, which has yet to be fully utilized, is now at the forefront of this green initiative.
Mukomuko Regent Sapuan highlighted the importance of developing a PLTBm to address the environmental challenges posed by palm oil waste. “With a PLTBm, we can not only reduce waste but also transform it into clean energy that benefits the community,” Sapuan told InfoSAWIT, citing Antara on Friday (29/11/2024).
Data from Mukomuko’s Environmental Agency reveals that every ton of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) produces approximately 22% empty fruit bunches, 5–6% palm kernel shells, while the remainder is processed into crude palm oil. This waste holds immense potential for conversion into energy using appropriate technology.
Juni Kurniadiana, Head of the Investment and Integrated Licensing Service Agency (DPMPTSP), emphasized that the vision for the PLTBm project centers on a zero-waste approach. Modern technology enables typically discarded or burned waste like EFB and shells to be transformed into electricity.
The Japanese delegation, comprising Douel Tokuyama (Tokuyama Industry), Takahiro Tokuyama (KME Biomass), and Noritaka Tokuyama (Nippon Steel IT), visited alongside Adrian Muluk of PT Citra Tambang Lestari. They inspected strategic sites in Mukomuko, including palm oil mills, access roads, and the proposed CPO port in Teramang Jaya.
“We want to ensure that Mukomuko’s biomass potential is sufficient to support the development of a PLTBm,” said Douel Tokuyama. The investors also collected palm oil waste samples for laboratory testing in Japan.
The Mukomuko government has identified three potential locations for the PLTBm: two in Sungai Rumbai District and one in Ipuh District. However, ensuring a sustainable supply of palm oil waste and adequate infrastructure, such as the planned CPO port in Teramang Jaya, remains a significant challenge.
“Without supporting infrastructure, it will be difficult for investors to proceed with this project,” said Budi Yanto, Head of Mukomuko’s Environmental Agency.
If successful, Mukomuko could set a benchmark for biomass-based green energy management in Indonesia. This innovation promises to transform palm oil waste, long seen as an environmental challenge, into a clean energy solution that promotes sustainable development.
“This project is the first step in Mukomuko’s journey toward a greener future,” concluded Sapuan. (T2)
