PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – As the world’s largest palm oil producer, Indonesia is well-positioned to maximize its resources and promote sustainable practices. Utilizing palm oil waste—such as empty fruit bunches, tree trunks, liquid waste, and palm kernel shells—should be a strategic approach to support the circular economy and environmental sustainability.
At the 2024 International Conference themed “Valorizing Oil Palm and Agri Waste Feedstocks,” organized by the Indonesian Palm Kernel Shell Entrepreneurs Association (APCASI), Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, highlighted the importance of treating palm oil waste as valuable resources.
“Valorizing palm oil waste will be a game changer in supporting the circular economy. It is crucial to maintain a balance between economic development and ecological responsibility,” he said in an official statement to Palmoilmagazine.com on Friday, October 4, 2024.
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One promising byproduct of the palm oil industry is palm kernel shell, which has a calorific value similar to low-grade coal. With an annual production of up to 13.4 million tons, using palm kernel shells as boiler fuel in palm oil mills could be a significant step toward environmental energy solutions. Sumatra, known for producing high-quality palm kernel shells, could position Indonesia as a leader in the global renewable energy market.
The Indonesian government is exploring the potential of co-firing palm kernel shells with low-grade coal in power plants. “This innovation would not only generate economic benefits but also contribute to environmental sustainability,” Airlangga added.
Besides, Indonesia produced about 3,9 million tons of used palm cooking oil (UCO) in 2023 and used as sustainable material for aviation. The government considered palm kernel peeler as th renewable material for carbon reduction and balance scheme for international scale – flight. The peeler would have the potential as the material to produce bioethanol and animals’ food.
He also said that taking advantages on palm oil wastes would support not only the sustainability but also delivered economic chances, namely in the rural. “The investment in this sector could provide employment, escalate the smallholders’ income, and reinforce the economy locally,” he said.
To realize the goals, Airlangga emphasized it would be significant to get the supporting polices and collaboration among the sectors. “The supporting work frames would stimulate the investment in research and innovation, and would open the ways to be more sustainable palm oil industries,” he said. (P2)
