Minister Jonan Encourages Educational Institutions to Use Solar Rooftop
In the International Conference of Resources and Environmental Economics (ICREE 2019) at IPB International Convention Center (IICC), Baranangsiang Campus, Bogor (22/8), Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Ignasius Jonan encouraged educational institutions and the hospitality industry to use solar rooftop in each building. Jonan also hoped that the regional government could be energy-independent.
“The government has a target for the energy usage until 2050. For fuel oil, the government has the B20 policy that aims to increase the renewable energy mix by 20 percent. In terms of electricity generation, the government is also encouraging the use of renewable energy, especially the use of solar rooftop. It also encourages educational institutions, the hospitality industry to use solar rooftop in each building. Renewable energy development competencies in the future will create more affordable renewable energy,” he said.
Responding that, with Green Campus 2020, IPB University Rector, Dr. Arif Satria said that he is ready to make the rectorate building energy-independent. Besides that, according to him, the Surfactant and Bioenergy Research Center (SBRC), Institute of Research and Community Empowerment (LPPM), IPB University had been appointed by the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education (Kemenristekdikti) as an advanced center in science and technology in biomass.
"IPB University has an important role in developing bioenergy. For this, we must look for other sources from non-food bioenergy products. Hopefully, the bioenergy innovation produced will come from non-food products. There is a lot of potential biomass in Indonesia that can be used as a source of raw material for second generation biofuel, namely oil palm (empty fruit bunches, mesocarp, fiber, palm kernel shells, stems, leaf stem fronds), coconut (shells, coir), sugar cane (shoots and bagasse), rubber (skin and pulp), coffee (husk), cocoa (shell and seed coat), sago (leaves, skin), rice (straw and husk), corn (stalks, hair and cob), and cassava (skin). IPB University will continue to push to make a cheap energy product,” he said.
According to him, based on the type of biomass raw material, palm oil empty fruit bunches are the most potential source of biomass for second generation biofuels. A breakthrough research that can increase added value, minimize waste generated and make the palm oil industry more sustainable is urgently needed.
“The utilization of biomass is not limited for biofuel, but also for other products like biomaterial, biochemistry, biosurfactant, and others. Its development needs the technological support to accelerate and commercialize the product by industry, to secure the production continuity and ensure product quality,” he added.
