PLN EPI Inaugurates Biomass Hub Facility in Tasikmalaya
JAKARTA - The Director of Bioenergy of PT PLN Energy Primary Indonesia (PLN EPI) Hokkop Situngkir inaugurated the operation of the Tasikmalaya and Ciamis Biomass Hub as part of strengthening the national biomass ecosystem based on the spoke hub concept.
Hokkop explained that the Tasikmalaya and Ciamis Biomass Hub was developed as a pilot project that integrates local biomass potential, such as wood waste and sand powder waste, with processing facilities, quality testing, and distribution to Steam Power Plants (PLTU).
"The existence of this hub is expected to be able to increase the quantity and quality of biomass, strengthen the supply chain, and encourage the standardization of biomass processing at the national level," said Hokkop, Wednesday, January 7.
He explained that the biomass resulting from the processing of this facility is planned to support the co-firing program at the Adipala and Indramayu TPPs, so as to directly contribute to the reduction of emissions from existing plants.
Hokkop said that the development of the biomass hub is part of the PLN Group's commitment to gradually replace fossil fuels with more environmentally friendly energy sources.
"This biomass hub not only serves as a production facility, but also as a center for strengthening the quality and certainty of the supply of biomass to the power plant. We start from a small scale, but are designed to continue to grow by involving local governments, BUMD, BUMDes, Cooperatives, and local communities," continued Hokkop.
Furthermore, Hokkop emphasized that the utilization of biomass waste, including the waste of sand powder in Ciamis, has a double impact, namely reducing carbon and methane gas emissions while creating new economic value for the surrounding community.
"Bioenergy is about utilizing all biological resources sustainably. The presence of this hub is expected to be a driver of the local economy as well as a support for national energy security," he added.
PLH VP Strategy and Business Development of PLN Biomass EPI, Odi Sefriadi, explained that the development of the Ciamis Biomass Hub was based on the large local biomass potential that has not been optimally utilized.
"PLN EPI sees the potential for waste of sand powder in Ciamis which is very significant. Through the application of dewatering technology with the screw press method, this waste is processed to meet the specifications of the plant and is ready to be used as biomass fuel," explained Odi.
Odi added that the development of this biomass hub not only provides environmental benefits, but also has a positive social impact and opens up new economic opportunities at the local level.
"In addition to reducing emissions, this biomass management is expected to create economic added value and strengthen collaboration between the PLN Group, local governments, and surrounding communities," he said.