Jakarta, IO – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) revealed that lignocellulosic biomass waste from rice straw, rice husks, corn cobs, sugar cane bagasse and palm fronds, can be used to make bioethanol.
BRIN advanced chemistry researcher Yanni Sudiyani said that the use of biomass waste holds enomous potential as it can spur the production of clean energy in Indonesia, per Katadata, Thursday (2/11).
“Lignocellulosic waste consists of cellulose and hemicellulose components, if only one third is utilized, 11.37 million tons of bioethanol can be produced,” said Yanni.
According to Yanni, Indonesia’s lignocellulosic biomass waste is very abundant. It is estimated that the amount of rice straw waste is 45.6 million tons, rice husks 60.04 million tons, corn cobs 28.02 million tons, sugar cane bagasse 1.34 million tons, and palm fronds 52.33 million tons.
In addition, microalgae can also be turned into bioethanol as the source of clean energy to replace gasoline.
“Apart from lignocellulosic waste on land, we can also utilize cellulosic material in the sea in the form of microalgae considering that Indonesia is a maritime country. The total production of microalgae is currently very abundant if converted into biofuel, so Indonesia will not have a shortage (of energy),” said Yani.
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Meanwhile, BRIN Research Professor Council chain Gadis Sri Haryani said the activity of using local materials is a very appropriate measure as it will reduce dependence on imported fossil energy while at the same time advance Indonesia’s goal of reducing carbon emissions.
“Apart from that, the development of the local materials industry can also create new jobs in the manufacturing, agricultural and service sectors. This can grow the Indonesian economy and reduce poverty,” concluded Girl. (bp)