Pertamina promotes sorghum cultivation as a source for bioethanol. (Photo: iStock)
In response to the new government's energy self-sufficiency policy, Indonesia's state-owned oil company, Pertamina, is launching a pilot project for sorghum cultivation to be used as a bioethanol feedstock, thereby reducing reliance on imported wheat and other grains.
The company is also seeking breakthroughs in petrochemicals, geothermal energy, and carbon capture technologies to achieve its decarbonization goals.
Sorghum solution for food, energy sources
Oki Muraza, Senior Vice President of Innovation Technology at Pertamina, noted that sorghum is more suitable than sugarcane for bioethanol production. While sugarcane is a key raw material for sugar production, using it primarily for bioenergy could potentially lead to food shortages. Sorghum, on the other hand, can also be processed into flour or used as a substitute for wheat. Indonesia is a major importer of wheat, bringing in up to 10 million tons annually.
Despite the Indonesian government’s plan to increase sugarcane cultivation by 700,000 hectares to boost bioethanol production, Pertamina aims to diversify its bioenergy sources to avoid competition between food and energy needs. The pilot project will be conducted in West Nusa Tenggara, with plans for broader implementation once feasibility is confirmed.
During the Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in July, Pertamina showcased its bioethanol produced from sorghum and successfully powered two Toyota flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs), marking a significant milestone in the company's biofuel initiatives.
Oki Muraza, senior vice president at PT Pertamina, adds sorghum biofuel to vehicles. (Photo: Pertamina)
Pertamina focuses four low-carbon innovations
Pertamina has announced that it is developing low-carbon technologies in four key areas: biofuels, petrochemicals, geothermal energy, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). While exploring new business opportunities through diversification, the company also supports the government’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
In the biofuel sector, Pertamina has successfully produced and utilized B35 biodiesel and is developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In the geothermal sector, the company plans to increase its installed capacity to 1 GW within the next 2-3 years.
Pertamina aims to enhance its petrochemical production capacity from the current 1.9 million tons annually to 3.2 million tons by 2025. Additionally, through carbon capture technologies, it expects to reduce carbon emissions by 1.5 million tons by 2029. Relevant development projects are currently underway in the Sukowati oil field in East Java, Jatibarang oil field in West Java, and Ramba oil field in South Sumatra.
Source: Pertamina(1)、(2)、Tanahhair、CNBC Indonesia
