The West Lombok Regency community in Indonesia’s Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) province is embarking on the construction of a cutting-edge biogas plant. Designed to process local agricultural waste from corn production, this innovative facility is expected to alleviate dependence on imported LPG gas and promote sustainable energy practices. According to Newsbase, the biogas plant, operated by PT Kaltimex Energy in collaboration with NTB Regional Owned Enterprises (BUMD) and PT Gerbang NTB Emas (GNE), is scheduled to commence operations in 2025.
By transforming agricultural remnants like corn cobs into raw materials for compressed biogas (CBG) production, the plant aims to serve as an eco-friendly substitute for LPG. This resource can then be harnessed by various industries including hotels, restaurants, and catering. With a production capacity of up to 10 tonnes of CBG per day, the facility is projected to curtail CO2 emissions by an estimated 5,448 tons annually. Moreover, the initiative is set to generate employment opportunities, bolster renewable energy utilization, and mitigate waste-related challenges.
Trois Dilisusendi, the coordinator of investment and bioenergy cooperation at the Directorate General of EBTKE within the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, envisions the biogas plant as a stepping stone towards energy autonomy for NTB. This advancement aligns with the region’s ambition to expedite carbon-zero emission targets by harnessing the potential of new renewable energy sources (EBT). The abundance of agricultural waste, particularly corn cobs amounting to 180,000 tonnes, positions NTB favorably for CBG production. Trois emphasized the government’s proactive stance in promoting biogas adoption, which includes advocating for biogas procurement policies.
Krishan Kumar Ralhan, the chairman of the Kaltimex Group, underscored NTB’s selection as the CBG plant’s location due to the province’s unwavering commitment to environmental preservation. NTB’s strategic goals, including zero emissions by 2050, zero-waste initiatives, and industrialization, harmonize with the facility’s objectives. Ralhan expressed optimism in contributing to Indonesia’s aspirations of reducing LPG imports, which reached 6.7 million tonnes in 2022, equivalent to 82% of the country’s total LPG consumption that year.
Governor Zulkieflimansyah of NTB recognized the CBG plant’s significance in advancing two pivotal goals: industrialization and waste reduction. These ambitions are integral components of the region’s pursuit of sustainable development. The initiative reflects the collective effort of local stakeholders, industry collaborators, and government bodies to steer NTB towards a greener and more self-reliant energy future.
