Biomass waste as a renewable energy in developing bio-based economies in Indonesia: A review

The pressure on the government to use renewable energy sources as a future substitute for fossil fuels has prompted it to pursue alternative energy sources. Biomass has considerable potential as a renewable energy source in Indonesia. However, several barriers remain in relation to the application and development of biomass based energy, including the concurrent use of biomass sources, such as CPO converted to stearin, for example, as a biofuel feedstock. Excluding the biodiesel industry, stearin is required by various large industries, including the oleochemicals, food, and cosmetics sectors. This situation results in competition and a conflict of interest among these industries. Furthermore, issues persist, for instance, plentiful forest fires and illegal logging. This situation has a significant impact on the loss of biomass sources. Conversely, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the global economy, reducing global energy demand, delaying the development of renewable energy priorities, in addition to placing the attainment of the national energy mix at risk. This study contributes to a greater understanding of the implementation, constraints, and challenges, as well as regulations associated with converting biomass to renewable energy and meeting the 2025 energy mix target.

Automated summary

This study examines the implementation, constraints, and challenges of converting biomass to renewable energy and meeting the 2025 energy mix target. It highlights the competition, conflict of interest, and issues like forest fires and illegal logging that Indonesia faces in this process.