PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), through the Balai Besar Pengujian Minyak dan Gas Bumi (BBPMGB) LEMIGAS, has initiated tests on diesel fuel mixed with 40% biodiesel, known as B40. These tests, focusing beyond the automotive sector, are set for 2024.
According to Mustafid Gunawan, Head of BBPMGB LEMIGAS, the institution has begun startability tests on generator sets at a testing facility using B40. “The government, through BBPMGB LEMIGAS as the implementing body, is conducting B40 tests on generator sets and other industrial vehicles,” he stated in an official release to Palmoilmagazine.com on Friday, May 31, 2024.
The tests involve four generator sets of different brands within the BBPMGB LEMIGAS facility. Commencing on May 20, 2024, the tests are scheduled to conclude on October 16, 2024. Parameters being observed include environmental temperature, humidity, B40 fuel temperature, oil temperature, and battery voltage.
Also Read: Testing the Mandatory B40 Palm Oil Biodiesel Program
The startability test was inaugurated by the Head of LEMIGAS, represented by the Coordinator of the Product Application Test Team, Cahyo Widodo. The event was attended by representatives from the General Directorate of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conversion, APROBI, the Palm Oil Plantation Fund Management Agency, MIGAS, PT PLN, PT PLN PUSLITBANG, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Following the opening ceremony, there was a presentation on the startability test preparations and a visit to the generators undergoing testing around LEMIGAS.
B40 Test in Train
Besides testing B40 in generator sets of halls, BBPMGB LEMIGAS did B40 test for train. As part of the test, BBPMGB LEMIGAS was in cooperation with PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), PT. Pertamina Patra Logistik, and Kereta Api Logistik to get the same inspection at Depo Arjawinangung, Cirebon, West Java on 14 May 2024.
“In the phase, LEMIGAS did infrastructure development survey to get B40 preparation test in train. With every expert, the survey ran smoothly,” Mustafid said.
For information, Ministry EMR did manage B30 distribution for about 13,41 million kiloliters (kl) in 2024. The quota was decided based on the B35 successful distribution in 2023. (T2)
