Indonesia Advances Clean Energy Initiatives Through Biomass Co-firing

Significant Progress in Clean Energy Adoption

Indonesia has made notable strides in its clean energy transition by implementing biomass co-firing technology in 47 coal-fired power plants (PLTU) as of October 2025 ¹

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Source 2

https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/sebanyak-47-pltu-di-indonesia-sudah-terapkan-teknologi-co-firing-biomassa

. This represents a substantial increase from just 6 plants in 2020, demonstrating the country's commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector ¹

Source 1

https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8209131/esdm-buka-bukaan-ri-masih-andalkan-batu-bara-buat-listrik

. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has been instrumental in promoting this technology as part of broader decarbonization efforts.

Continued Dominance of Coal in Energy Mix

Despite the progress in clean energy initiatives, coal remains the primary source of electricity generation in Indonesia. By the end of 2025, coal is projected to account for 66.54% of total electricity production, generating 235 TWh out of 354 TWh ³

. The total electricity production is expected to reach 354 TWh by year-end, with current production standing at 290 TWh ³

Source 3

https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8209249/esdm-ungkap-47-pltu-sudah-pakai-campuran-bahan-bakar-limbah-sawit

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Policy and Implementation

The implementation of biomass co-firing technology is part of Indonesia's strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions. The ESDM has been actively promoting this technology as a transitional measure towards cleaner energy sources. According to Tri Winarno, Acting Director General of Electricity at ESDM, the development of biomass co-firing reflects significant progress in the electricity sector's decarbonization efforts ¹

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Challenges and Future Directions

While the adoption of biomass co-firing technology in 47 PLTUs marks a positive step, Indonesia still faces challenges in fully transitioning away from coal. The continued dominance of coal in the energy mix highlights the need for continued policy support and investment in cleaner energy technologies. The government will need to balance energy security with environmental goals as it moves forward with its energy transition plans.