Support Energy Transition, Tripatra Strengthens Biofuel Ecosystem Development

Photo: Doc. TRIPATRA

JAKARTA - PT Tripatra Engineers and Constructioners (Tripatra), a leading engineering engineering-based solution provider in Indonesia, continues to be committed to supporting the government in an effort to accelerate the national energy transition.

This is in line with the company's vision to build sustainable solutions in practical application of energy efficiency and the transition from fossil fuel energy to renewable energy, as an effort to minimize carbon emissions, as an effort to support the government's commitment to net zero emissions by 2060.

Climate change and the global energy crisis have been a major concern in recent decades. The need to reduce carbon emissions and depend on fossil fuels is increasingly pressing as awareness of its negative impact on the environment increases.

In this case, the transition to clean energy is the key to creating a more sustainable and resilient future. Indonesia, as one of the countries with abundant natural resources, has a strategic role in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

One reliable solution is the development of biofuels, an alternative fuel that comes from biological resources. Biofuels not only provide environmental benefits with lower carbon emissions, but also open up new economic opportunities, especially in the agricultural sector.

In the Tripatra Media Forum 2024 activity entitled Towards the New Era of Clean Energy: Biofuel and Energy Transition, Bioenergy Expert of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Dr. Tatang Hernas Soerawidjaja said, renewable energy sources are the focus of research research by researchers in the world in the midst of the issue of the depletion of petroleum fossil fuels. Biomass is the only renewable energy source with fuel character.

"Because of this, the use of bioenergy and vegetable fuel (BBN) is a critical bridge for the transition of the energy sector from fossil energy resources to renewable or non-carbon energy resources. Moreover, Indonesia as the owner of the wealth of the flora species is considered to be a country that controls vegetable fuel (BBN) in the next few years, one of which is biofuel," he explained.

He further said that the plant-based economy (bio-based economy or bioeconomics) is seen as very supportive of the achievement of 11 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs) that have been agreed upon by the world in 2015 in Paris. The use of biofuels has become the focus of world countries in accelerating energy transition while maintaining energy resilience and independence.

"The global geopolitical conflict, the issue of climate change and uncertainty going forward, has raised the issue of energy resilience in the midst of accelerating the energy transition to net zero emissions. Therefore, the implementation of biofuels has the opportunity to involve the entire community of countries, support energy security, avoid excessive exploitation of natural resources, and preserve the environment. Moreover, in Indonesia, the transition to bioeconomics is very beneficial for our nation, because apart from being in a large area, Indonesia is also a country that advances photosynthetically with the primary production of net net. the highest vegetable material, "he explained.

Biofuels are fuels for both solids, fluids, or gas produced from plant materials. Biofuels can be generated directly from plants or indirectly from industrial, commercial, domestic or agricultural waste. Biofuels can also be generated from non-food plants, agricultural waste and residues that cannot be consumed by humans using advanced technology.

Therefore, unlike other irrenewable materials, biofuels can be produced continuously because we can always plant more plants to fuel. Moreover, the scientific community has shown a higher level of productivity of plant plants can deal with some deforestation issues that are closely related to biofuels.

Interestingly, vegetable raw materials such as palm oil can be used to produce biofuels through conventional and advanced methods depending on the situation. Moreover, palm oil, which has the highest harvest among other vegetable plants, is believed to be the most economical raw material for biodiesel. The life cycle of a 30-year-old palm oil tree also means the value of carbon absorption released into high atmospheres.

In general, biofuels are fuels from biomass or material originating from plants and animals. Biofuels are often an alternative to conventional fuels used to power vehicle engines. But actually, biofuels can be utilized for all human energy needs, such as: Transport (Cars, buses, motorcycles, trains, airplanes and water vehicles), power plants, or household needs (Comport and other cooking utensils). Raw materials for the production of Nabati Fuel (BNN) are biohydrocarbon diesel (green diesel) and biodiesel, Avtur biohydrocarbons (bioavtur) as well as vegetable gasoline (green gasoline) or biogasoline. Unlike fossil fuels, biofuels as energy resources can be held throughout the country through cultivation of growth as an alternative safe and renewable energy source, "said Dr. Tatang Hernas Soerawidjaja.

Biofuel development in Indonesia opens up great opportunities for innovation in infrastructure, strengthening regulations, and utilizing sustainable raw materials. By utilizing biofuel potential, Indonesia can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and at the same time increase national energy security. To realize this potential, close collaboration between government, industry, and academics is needed so that the development of the biofuel ecosystem can be carried out optimally as part of the national energy transition.

The Green Energy Development Director of Tripatra, Ananto Wardono said, Tripatra has invested significant resources to develop the necessary technologies and infrastructure in the biofuel ecosystem, one of which is in mass producing second-generation biofuels. The second generation biofuel is a type of vegetable fuel that results from a more complex raw material processing process compared to the first generation biofuels.

If first-generation biofuels generally use foodstuffs, then second-generation biofuels take advantage of non-food raw materials, such as non-food raw materials such as agricultural waste, lignocellose biomass (kayu, sawdust), and alga. Through various initiatives that have been carried out, Tripatra not only contributes to energy transition efforts in Indonesia, but also opens up new business opportunities and creates added value for the community.

"Therefore, we have a significant role in developing the biofuel ecosystem in Indonesia, including in producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is sustainable aviation fuel with renewable sources that can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels," explained Ananto.

With an extensive experience of more than 50 years in energy projects, Tripatra is now playing an active role in biofuel development, including building production and distribution factory facilities. Tripatra believes that strengthening the national biofuel industry is the key to achieving energy security and long-term environmental sustainability.

"With a focus on renewable energy, green chemistry, and carbon mitigation, we are ready to face challenges and opportunities in the future. The biggest opportunity for our country is to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly biofuel processing technologies. In the future, Tripatra will continue to aim for opportunities in the green energy sector, one of which is in developing the development of biofuel infrastructure, as well as continuing to encourage innovation in engineering solutions. sustainable engineering techniques. That way, we can compete in the global market and make a real contribution to clean energy," Ananto added.

TRIPATRA's Finance and Commercial Director, Benny Joesoep said, Tripatra has entered a new phase, which is no longer an audience but also a role in accelerating the energy transition in Indonesia. Therefore, Tripatra continues to be committed to supporting the government in accelerating the energy transition.

"With strong core capacity in the engineering sector, Tripatra is currently better known as a reliable engineering company. This skill is our main foundation in providing integrated solutions for various projects with various scales, including strategic initiatives in the renewable energy sector. With strong support and synergy from various parties, we are optimistic that Indonesia can become a key player in developing renewable energy," said Benny.