PLN Uses Sorghum As Coal Mixed Material At PLTU Pelabuhan Ratu

JAKARTA - PLN Energi Primary Indonesia (PLN EPI) strengthens the transitional step of clean energy through the use of biomass based on local energy plants.

This effort was realized through a sorghum planting ceremony which was held at the Sorghum Pilot Garden, Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi on Tuesday, November 25.

Director of Biomass of PLN EPI, Hokkop Situngkir, emphasized that co-firing biomass is a key strategy for PLN to reduce emissions while strengthening national energy resilience. According to him, the success of this program is very dependent on the supply of strong, efficient, and measurable biomass from upstream to downstream.

Indonesia's future energy is not only present from great technology, but also from village lands and strong plants such as sorghum which grows in marginal land and provides added value to farmers," he said in a written statement, Tuesday, December 2. Hokkop explained that sorghum has high resilience to the condition of underproducing land and uneven climate. In addition, its productivity is able to sustain the need for biomass in a sustainable manner.

"With a fast harvest every 3'4 months, the potential for planting throughout the year, as well as the contribution of increasing village income, sorghum is able to answer the challenge of long-term biomass supply for PLTU co-firing," he added.

The momentum of this event was also marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between PLN EPI and PT Berkah Inti Daya related to the development of the sorghum ecosystem, including the clearing of planned land, farmer assistance, to the integration of harvest into the energy supply chain.

"If this industry grows, what increases is not only green energy, but also job opportunities and community welfare in Sukabumi and its surroundings," said Hokkop.

Senior Manager of PLN Indonesia Power UBP Pelabuhan Ratu, Bowo Pramono added that the use of sorghum supports the reliability of power plants on the way to zero emissions.

He assessed that some of the advantages of sorghum, starting from fast harvesting capacity, growing in marginal land without disturbing food, are important factors in the sustainability of co-firing. He emphasized that the socio-economic benefits for the community around the plant will grow along with the increase in biomass consumption.