Bioethanol in Indonesia as a Renewable Alternative Energy

The growing population influences the need for fuel. Indonesia has a lot of natural resources, therefore it has a lot of potential for producing various types of energy. Presidential Regulation No. 79 of 2014 of the Republic of Indonesia on National Energy Policy to create alternative energy sources as a substitute for fuel in Indonesia’s energy development.

Currently, fossil fuels account for 95 percent of Indonesia’s energy consumption. Based on this use data, fuel oil (BBM) accounts for the most significant share, namely 50%, indicating that energy consumption in the transportation sector will likely rise in the following years. An increase in consumption that does not correspond to the rise in output is a question to be resolved. The usage of fossil fuels must be replaced quickly because their supply is diminishing and will run out in the next several years due to their inability to be replenished.

Alternative and renewable energy sources are anticipated to exist and be widely utilized by the population. Bioethanol is a sustainable energy source that may be used as a substitute for fossil fuels. Ethanol is a soluble liquid made from glucose fermentation, which is generally followed by a distillation procedure to improve its purity. The chemical formula for ethanol is C2H5OH, and it has a density of 0.7939 g/mL, a boiling point of 78.320°C at a pressure of 766 mmHg, and a heat of combustion of 7093.72 kcal.

Bioethanol development benefits the environment, energy security, and socioeconomics. Bioethanol is considered ecologically benign, has minimal emissions, and lowers greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Because bioethanol is made from renewable raw materials, it has the potential to be a long-term energy source. Furthermore, via business and labor, the growth of the bioethanol sector will enhance socio-economic conditions.

Various tubers, fruits, and other lignocellulosic plants can be utilized as raw materials for the creation of bioethanol to replace fossil fuels, and even trash can be employed. Bioethanol is a renewable fuel that has been produced in a number of nations. Brazil and the United States are now the world’s largest bioethanol producers. The amount of bioethanol produced from sugar cane in Brazil in 2004 was 15 million m3. In the meantime, 14 million m3 of bioethanol is made in the United States. Spain is the leading producer of bioethanol in continental Europe.