Biomass Energy Potential from Agricultural Waste in Indonesia: A Review of National Statistical Data
Keywords:
biomass energy, agricultural residues, rice straw, oil palm waste, renewable energyAbstract
Indonesia possesses vast potential for biomass energy derived from agricultural and plantation residues. This study explores the availability and prospective utilization of biomass from rice cultivation, other staple food crops, and palm oil plantations as alternative energy sources. National rice production in 2024 reached 53.14 million tons of milled dry grain (GKG), with an estimated 63 million tons of rice straw generated annually, equivalent to several hundred petajoules of theoretical energy potential. Other food crops such as maize, sugarcane, and soybean also contribute significant volumes of agricultural residues that could expand the national biomass supply. In addition to food crops, oil palm plantations represent the largest and most consistent contributor to biomass in Indonesia. Provinces such as Riau, Central Kalimantan, and North Sumatra produced millions of tons of fresh fruit bunches (FFB), generating residues including empty fruit bunches (EFB), mesocarp fiber, shell, and palm oil mill effluent (POME). These residues contain high calorific values, offering opportunities for energy generation through direct combustion, co-firing, and gasification technologies. Nevertheless, challenges remain in terms of high moisture content, distribution costs, and technological readiness. With proper policy support, fiscal incentives, and integrated management between agriculture and energy sectors, biomass from food crops and oil palm residues can play a crucial role in advancing Indonesia’s renewable energy transition.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Navarina Ajeng Pratiwi, Ni Nyoman Desmawati, Ahmad Fadhel Jamaluddin, Aidila Fitri Yana, Aviv Malkianov Limbong (Author)
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