In a remarkable stride towards sustainability, Governor Zulkieflimansyah of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) placed the cornerstone for the construction of a Compressed Biogas (CBG) factory in West Lombok District on Thursday, August 17, 2023. This significant step underscores NTB government’s commitment to emission reduction and a greener future.
“We aim to reduce emissions by three million tons of CO2. To achieve this, we must start by harnessing resources like abundant corn cobs in NTB,” states Governor Zulkieflimansyah, on August 20, 2023.
The factory is projected to produce 10 tons of CBG daily. The CBG product from this facility is anticipated to be a sustainable substitute for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the hospitality, restaurant, and cafe industries around Lombok.
Governor Zulkieflimansyah remains optimistic that upon full operation and adoption by local industries, the CBG plant can effectively cut down emissions by a substantial 5,448 tons of CO2 annually.
Additionally, he envisions this initiative generating employment opportunities, boosting renewable energy utilization, and addressing waste management concerns.
The establishment of the CBG plant addresses two paramount issues in NTB: industrialization and zero waste.
“Our province is ambitiously striving for Net Zero Emission (NZE) by 2060, with the Green Tourism, Green Energy, and Green Industry programs forming the bedrock of our approach,” Governor Zulkieflimansyah highlighted.
This collaborative effort between the NTB Provincial Government and PT Kaltimex Energy culminated in the inception of the plant.
The target for the CBG plant’s commercial operation is set for 2025, aimed at capitalizing on the immense potential of corn cob waste in NTB, amounting to a staggering 180,000 tons per year.
Trois Dilisusendi, the Coordinator of Investment and Bioenergy Cooperation at the Directorate General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (Ditjen EBTKE), noted that the CBG plant’s establishment in West Lombok will foster NTB’s journey towards energy self-reliance.
“The central government consistently advocates for biogas utilization, including policies to encourage biogas adoption as an alternative fuel source,” He emphasized.
The inauguration of this CBG plant marks a momentous leap towards sustainable energy practices, positioning West Nusa Tenggara on the path to becoming a beacon of eco-conscious progress.