Ecobiz.asia — PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) reported biomass supply for coal-fired power plant (PLTU) cofiring reached 460,368 tons in the first quarter of 2026, marking an increase compared to the same period last year.
PLN EPI Biomass Director Hokkop Situngkir said the company absorbed 2.4 million tons of biomass in 2025 to supply 52 power plants.
“In the first quarter of 2026, we have reached 460,368 tons. Compared to the same period in previous years, this is the highest,” he said during a dissemination event on Energy Ministry Regulation No. 12/2023 with the Indonesia Forestry Concessionaires Association (APHI) on Wednesday (April 8, 2026).
He added that PLN EPI has secured biomass supply contracts totaling 4.5 million tons for 2026.
The company utilized 16 types of biomass in 2025, with sawdust accounting for the largest share at 1.32 million tons, or 56.2% of total usage, followed by woodchips at 535,638 tons, or 22.76%.
PLN EPI is also exploring additional biomass sources, including candlenut shells and sorghum, to expand feedstock supply.
Hokkop said biomass utilization for cofiring is expected to continue rising in line with the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry’s roadmap. All 52 PLTUs have implemented cofiring, although blending ratios vary due to supply constraints.
“Going forward, we expect cofiring rates to increase to 30–40%, similar to Japan, South Korea, or the Philippines,” he said.
The increased use of biomass has also contributed to emissions reduction. In 2025, emission cuts reached 2.6 million tons of CO₂ equivalent, while in the first quarter of 2026 reductions approached 600,000 tons of CO₂ equivalent. ***
