Enviro News Asia, Yogyakarta – Researchers from the Center for Energy Studies (PSE) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, who are part of the Higher Education Center of Excellence for Microalgae Biorefinery Science and Technology (PUIPT), have developed an innovative use of microalgae as a carbon absorption solution for industries. PSE UGM has introduced Algaetree and Algaerium, systems for cultivating microalgae in modified photobioreactors designed to optimize carbon dioxide absorption from both the environment and surrounding air.
Dr. Nugroho Dewayanto highlighted that one of the major challenges industries face today is the obligation to reduce carbon emissions generated by their business activities. Various methods have been developed for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) programs in the industrial sector. “To develop Algaetree and Algaerium, we collaborated with PT Enthalphy Environergy Consulting, which specializes in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) consulting, and PT Algatech Nusantara, which focuses on microalgae product development and business,” explained Arief in an interview on Wednesday (19/2).
The collaboration between UGM and these two companies has led to the development of Microforest, an advanced innovation derived from Algaetree. Microforest enhances Algaetree by increasing its market value through a futuristic design and additional features, such as a screen displaying the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed and oxygen produced by the microalgae. With a cultivation media capacity of 100 liters, Microforest can absorb up to 37.6 kilograms of carbon per year, equivalent to the carbon absorption capacity of four mature trees.
Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, one of the researchers, stated that Microforest is designed to be both functional and aesthetic, making it suitable for indoor spaces or building lobbies. Its key advantage lies in its ability to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen in locations where traditional plants cannot grow, without requiring large land areas. This makes Microforest an ideal solution for supporting sustainability efforts. “Currently, Microforest technology has received a positive response from various industries that are striving to implement decarbonization initiatives to strengthen their ESG commitments,” he said.
One of the companies interested in using Microforest is PT Pertamina EP Cepu Regional 4, which oversees Pertamina’s exploration activities in Eastern Indonesia. In addition to Microforest, PT Pertamina is also interested in Oxyflow, an advanced development of Algaerium. Through an agreement with PUIPT Microalgae Biorefinery, PT Pertamina plans to install five units of Microforest and Oxyflow at their headquarters in Patra Jasa Office Tower, Jakarta. With this collaboration, PT Pertamina EP Cepu Regional 4 aims to become a pioneer within Pertamina in applying nature-based decarbonization approaches, complementing the CCUS technology that they have already started implementing.
Prof. Ir. Arief Budiman, a researcher at PSE UGM, stated that the partnership with PT Pertamina EP Cepu Regional 4 will last for two years, with operational support from PT Algatech Nusantara. He hopes that he and his two fellow researchers can continue developing microalgae-based innovations, enabling more industries to adopt them as part of their sustainability strategies, in support of Indonesia’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
