PT Bukit Asam Tbk (PTBA) launched a Wood Pellet Pilot Plant using Red Kaliandra in Tanjung Enim, South Sumatra, on Thursday, October 24, 2024.The development of wood pellets, which will serve as a co-firing fuel with coal in Coal-Fired Power Plants, is a continuation of PTBA’s Red Kaliandra biomass cultivation program that began in 2023. The pilot plant has a production capacity of 200 kg per hour.
Hendra Gunawan, Director of Technical and Environmental Affairs for Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, expressed appreciation for PTBA for demonstrating strategic initiatives in carbon management and emission reduction.
"With the launch of Bukit Asam's Wood Pellet Pilot Plant, we hope to inspire more parties, especially in the mineral and coal subsector, to innovate in the use of environmentally friendly energy. We wish for the Bukit Asam Wood Pellet Pilot Plant to operate effectively and sustainably in the future," stated Hendra Gunawan.
Arsal Ismail, President Director of PT Bukit Asam Tbk, stated that the company is committed to supporting the energy transition to achieve the Net Zero Emission target set by the government for 2060. One of the initiatives is the development of wood pellets from Red Kaliandra.
“We envision becoming a world-class energy company that cares for the environment. PTBA continues to transform to achieve this vision while providing non-stop energy for the nation. The wood pellets from Red Kaliandra are expected to become an environmentally friendly alternative energy source,” said Arsal Ismail.
He added that the establishment of the wood pellet plant also demonstrates PTBA’s commitment to supporting decarbonization in the mining industry.
“This initiative is expected to contribute to reducing carbon emissions in the mining sector through the blending of biomass and coal,” Arsal stated.
The construction of the pilot plant, which focuses on renewable energy innovation, is a collaborative effort between PTBA and Universitas Pembangunan Nasional (UPN) Veteran Yogyakarta.
The launch of the Wood Pellet Pilot Plant was also attended by Dr. Sutarto, MT, Vice Rector of UPN Veteran Yogyakarta; Dr. Eko Amiadji Julianto, MP, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at UPN Veteran Yogyakarta; and Dr. Joko Susilo, MT, Head of the Energy and Mineral Study Center (PSME) at UPN Veteran Yogyakarta.
