Indonesia plans gradual shift to B100 biodiesel for energy security

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government is developing a concept design to produce biodiesel up to B100 as part of its efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

This was announced by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia during a press conference in Jakarta on Sunday.

"We are preparing concepts up to B100, but this will be done gradually. We will report the developments in due time," he said.

Currently, the required biodiesel product in Indonesia is B35, a blend of 35 percent fatty acid methyl esters from palm oil and 65 percent diesel fuel.

The implementation of B35 began on February 1, 2023.

The government is enhancing advanced biodiesel products by increasing the proportion of palm oil to 40 percent, known as B40.

The ministry has confirmed that the mandatory B40 program is ready to launch on January 1, 2025.

"God willing, it has been tested and is ready for implementation (by next January)," Lahadalia stated.

Meanwhile, Director General of New, Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation, Eniya Listiani Dewi, expressed the ministry's readiness to implement mandatory B40 biodiesel next year.

She mentioned that the government is preparing various supporting infrastructures, including ports, shipping, and logistics, to ensure the smooth rollout of mandatory bioenergy products.

These preparations are expected to be completed by December.

In addition to B40, the government is also exploring the feasibility of implementing B50.

Eniya noted that a technical study on engine performance using B50 has already been conducted.

Minister of Agriculture Andi Amran Sulaiman has also conducted a trial of B50 biodiesel in South Kalimantan.

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Translator: Uyu Septiyati Liman, Yashinta DifaEditor: Anton SantosoCopyright © ANTARA 2024