Jakarta (VNA) - The Indonesian government is turning palm oil waste, specifically empty fruit bunches (EFB), into bioethanol through a glucose extraction process to accelerate the country's energy transition.
Minister of Industry Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita underlined the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation in realising environmentally friendly and sustainable technology, saying that it is necessary to have cross-sector synergy between the government and industry.
Andi Rizaldi, Head of the Industrial Services Standardisation and Policy Agency (BSKJI), explained that this initiative is being carried out through a partnership between the Centre for Standardisation and Agro-Industrial Services (BBSPJIA) and private company PT Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN).
Collaborators from PT Rekayasa Industri and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), strategic partners of BBSPJIA in developing renewable energy technology, are also involved, he added.
BBSPJIA head Yuni Herlina Harahap said this project is expected to promote the development of sustainable palm oil-based bioenergy technology and open opportunities for further research collaborations aimed at using biomass as an environmentally friendly energy source.
TMMIN Vice President Bob Azam noted that bioethanol derived from palm oil waste is not only an alternative energy source but also part of a circular economy, helping to reduce environmental impact while increasing the added value of the palm oil industry.
Experts said developing ethanol biofuel from palm oil by-products will help Indonesia not only make the most of domestic raw materials but also strengthen its position in the global clean energy market, where demand for sustainable energy solutions is growing./.
