19th EUBCE Event: Presenting the DiBiCoo’s Project on Palm Oil Renewable Energy

On April 27, 2021, the RDI Team made valuable contributions to the 29th European Biomass Conference & Exhibition by presenting two research studies. The first research study, conducted as part of the Digital Global Biogas Cooperation (DiBiCoo) project, which is a multi-year initiative funded by EU Horizon 2020 spanning from 2019 to 2022, was presented by Nadiya Pranindita. This presentation centered on the topic of "Indonesia Biogas Market: An Opportunity within the B100 Program." It highlighted that Indonesia, being the world's largest producer, exporter, and consumer of palm oil, has prompted the Indonesian government to set a national target for new and renewable energy through the mandatory biodiesel blend program, also known as the B100 program.

The assessment of the biogas market was conducted by considering four key factors: PESTLE analysis, market competition, market policies and incentives, and other supporting resources. The presentation's conclusions revealed that barriers to the deployment of biogas originate from a lack of proactive political support in prioritizing biofuel over biogas as a new energy source, environmental concerns, escalating risks for indigenous communities, a shortage of experts, and weak or inconsistent law enforcement.

The second research study, presented by another RDI Researcher, Esy Gracia, revolved around "Policy Recommendations to Address Challenges in Sustainable Biofuel Industry Development in Indonesia and Malaysia."

These challenges encompass four primary aspects that are commonly encountered by the biofuel industry in both countries: labor rights, the food-versus-fuel dilemma, environmental issues, and regulatory matters. Each of these challenges involves multiple stakeholders, including the government, traditional landowners/farmers, palm oil companies, biofuel producers, and NGOs/activists/advocates.

To tackle these challenges effectively, the proposed recommendations generally call for enhanced accountability and monitoring, stricter enforcement of regulations, and support for smallholders and farmers. Additionally, it is recommended to establish missing infrastructure, technology, or standards and improve existing practices within the specific context of each country.

Written by Nadia Pranindita