Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) is continuing to strengthen primary energy diversification through bioenergy development as a strategy to maintain national energy security while accelerating the transition to cleaner energy. PLN EPI Biomass Director Hokkop Situngkir conveyed the commitment at the Grand Seminar ReEnergize Summit 2026: Pentahelix Talks x IETD 2026 Goes to Campus at the Universitas Indonesia Convention Hall.
Through the optimization of biomass, biochar, compressed biomethane gas (CBG), and the processing of waste into alternative fuels, PLN EPI is driving the utilization of domestic energy resources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Hokkop said Indonesia holds enormous bioenergy potential, with the main challenge now lying not in resource availability but in building strong collaboration among stakeholders to harness that potential optimally.
“We actually have the sources. But we need the courage to collaborate, among PLN, investment partners, local partners, government, regulators, academics, and the business world, so that bioenergy development can move faster and more sustainably,” Hokkop said.
He explained that as the PLN subholding responsible for providing primary energy for all PLN Group power plants, PLN EPI is not only ensuring the reliability of coal and gas supply but also continuously expanding its primary energy portfolio through new and renewable energy, particularly bioenergy.
PLN has been gradually transforming its generation sector toward cleaner energy. Nearly all diesel power plants (PLTD) now use B40 biodiesel, while coal-fired steam power plants (PLTU) are beginning to implement biomass as a cofiring fuel to reduce coal consumption.
Beyond biomass, PLN EPI is also developing other bioenergy products including CBG from organic waste and liquid waste for gas-based power plants, biochar, Refuse Derived Fuel from municipal solid waste, biofuel, and bioethanol as part of the power sector decarbonization strategy.
“Our target is to utilize various alternative energy sources beyond fossil fuels. We are currently in a transition period toward cleaner energy, which is why energy diversification is an important step in maintaining reliable electricity supply while supporting the achievement of national emission reduction targets,” Hokkop said.
PLN EPI estimates Indonesia’s biomass potential at around 83.4 million tonnes per year, spread across Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Java, sourced from plantation, agricultural, forestry, and municipal solid waste that can be converted into renewable energy while delivering economic added value for communities.
Under the 2025–2029 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), bioenergy is targeted to contribute an additional 0.61 gigawatts of generation capacity through cofiring programs, biomass power plants, and biogas. Renewable energy development through 2034 is projected to require investment of around Rp 1,682 trillion, expected to drive green economic growth and accelerate the transformation of the national energy sector.
Despite the strong potential, Hokkop acknowledged that accelerating renewable energy development still faces challenges, particularly the high investment requirements for transmission and distribution grid infrastructure. Unlike fossil fuel-based plants where fuel can be distributed to various locations, renewable energy plants generally need to be built close to their energy sources, requiring adequate infrastructure support.
“The energy transition must be a solution, not a burden. What we are pushing for is a gradual shift toward cleaner energy while maintaining reliable electricity supply, affordable tariffs, and national economic competitiveness. Through collaboration among all stakeholders, we are optimistic that bioenergy can become one of the important pillars in strengthening national energy security while accelerating the realization of Indonesia’s sustainable energy system,” Hokkop concluded. (*)
