Enviro News Asia, Tasikmalaya — The Biomass Director of PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI), Hokkop Situngkir, officially inaugurated the operation of the Tasikmalaya and Ciamis Biomass Hubs as part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s national biomass ecosystem through a spoke-hub concept.
The biomass hubs serve as pilot projects integrating locally sourced biomass resources, including wood waste and palm sugar fiber residue, with processing facilities, quality testing, and distribution systems supplying coal-fired power plants. The initiative aims to enhance biomass supply security while supporting Indonesia’s energy transition agenda and its Net Zero Emissions 2060 target.
Developed to improve both the quantity and quality of biomass, the facilities are designed to reinforce the biomass supply chain and promote standardized biomass processing at the national level. Processed biomass from the hubs will support co-firing programs at Adipala and Indramayu coal-fired power plants, contributing directly to emissions reduction from existing power generation assets.
Hokkop Situngkir stated that the biomass hub development reflects PLN Group’s commitment to gradually replacing fossil fuels with more environmentally friendly energy sources.
“These biomass hubs are not only production facilities, but also centers for ensuring quality and supply certainty for power plants. We start on a small scale, but the concept is designed to grow by involving local governments, state-owned enterprises, village-owned enterprises, cooperatives, and local communities,” he said.
He added that utilizing biomass waste, including palm sugar residue in Ciamis, delivers multiple benefits by reducing carbon and methane emissions while creating new economic value for surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, Acting Vice President for Biomass Strategy and Business Development at PLN EPI, Odi Sefriadi, explained that the Ciamis Biomass Hub was developed based on the region’s significant yet underutilized biomass potential. Through dewatering technology using a screw press method, palm sugar residue is processed to meet power plant specifications and be used as biomass fuel.
The Ciamis Regency Government also welcomed the initiative. Head of the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency of Ciamis Regency, Taufik Gumelar, said the project offers substantial benefits for the region.
“The presence of PLN EPI in Ciamis is a meaningful investment. Beyond emissions reduction, biomass management opens new business opportunities, strengthens the local economy, and enhances collaboration between local governments, state-owned enterprises, and communities,” he said.
The inauguration marks the commencement of operations for the locally based biomass processing facilities, forming part of PLN EPI’s broader efforts to develop a sustainable, standardized bioenergy ecosystem that supports Indonesia’s national energy resilience. (*)
