From Biodiesel B20 to Green Diesel

INDONESIA is not only accelerating use of fuel with 20% biodiesel content (B20), but also to implement 100% biodiesel (B100) that is also known as green diesel. Furthermore, this plan has been proposed to President Joko Widodo. “We have proposed the plan to the cabinet and The President agreed to accelerate from B20 to B100,” said Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto (23/7/2018). It will definitely takes extra effort to achieve this plan since it has many things to do with many aspects. But, Airlangga reassured that Indonesia is ready to adopt green diesel. “We have palm oil and it is possible to produce green diesel from palm oil.” Biodiesel for land transportation in Indonesia currently consists of a 20% bio component that is mixed with petroleum diesel. That component is expected to be raised to 30 percent in near future. To speed up the implementation, Airlangga is offering incentives to developers of a new palm oil-based green diesel. Modifications to engines and machinery wouldn`t be needed because its specifications are the same as (B20) biodiesel and better than conventional fuel. According to Airlangga, there are two prototype biorefineries that are ready to produce green diesel. The biorefineries which are located in Surabaya, East Java and Pelalawan, Riau, has adopted hydrogenation technology. `We already have a prototype and in three years we will be ready to produce it.` A part from that, green diesel generated 90% fewer emissions than conventional fossil fuels. Green diesel made completely from palm oil has the same specifications as petrol and is compliant with the Euro IV emissions standard. ***