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What is Co-Firing and Biomass?
Biomass is organic material from living organisms that can be converted into energy through combustion, gasification, or fermentation to produce electricity, heat, or fuel. The palm oil industry produces large amounts of biomass, including empty fruit bunches (EFB), fruit fiber (mesocarp fiber), palm kernel shells, palm fronds, and palm oil mill effluent (POME).
Initially, palm oil mills (POM) utilized gas or coal as boiler fuel. However, since the 2000s, many boiler modifications have been developed to use biomass as fuel [3]. In addition to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, this solution also helps in processing biomass waste, which is often a challenge for the palm oil industry, such as EFB, which is difficult to decompose.
Palm oil mill boiler (source : https://fr.palmmachine.com/product/palm-oil-line/60.html)
Common Problems in the Palm Oil Mill Sector
Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB)
Biomass is organic material from living organisms that can be converted into energy through combustion, gasification, or fermentation to produce electricity, heat, or fuel. The palm oil industry produces large amounts of biomass, including empty fruit bunches (EFB), fruit fiber (mesocarp fiber), palm kernel shells, palm fronds, and palm oil mill effluent (POME).
Initially, palm oil mills (POM) utilized gas or coal as boiler fuel. However, since the 2000s, many boiler modifications have been developed to use biomass as fuel [3]. In addition to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions, this solution also helps in processing biomass waste, which is often a challenge for the palm oil industry, such as EFB, which is difficult to decompose.
In terms of percentage, every 1 ton of crude palm oil (CPO) produced generates solid waste of approximately 23% EFB, 13% fruit fiber, 5.5% palm kernel shells, and 4% wet decanter solid, with the remainder being boiler ash [3]. With this amount of waste, utilizing biomass as boiler fuel becomes a practical and sustainable solution.
Biomass as Palm Oil Mill Boiler Fuel
Technically, boilers in palm oil mills can use biomass as the main fuel. This process involves direct combustion of biomass in the boiler to produce steam used in the palm oil production process. However, there are several challenges in implementing this system, including:
- Bridging Effect: Biomass has a lower energy density than coal, so a larger volume of fuel is needed. This can cause bridging or clogging problems in the fuel system.
- High Water Content: Biomass such as EFB and fruit fiber has a fairly high water content, which can reduce combustion efficiency.
- Ash Residue: Biomass combustion produces ash that can accumulate inside the boiler and requires more intensive maintenance.
To overcome these challenges, several solutions can be implemented, including drying biomass before use, mixing with high-calorie fuels such as palm kernel shells, and redesigning the fuel system to be more adaptive to biomass characteristics.
Biogas Potential in Palm Oil Mills
In addition to solid biomass, the palm oil industry also produces liquid waste in the form of POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent), which is rich in organic matter and can be used for biogas production through anaerobic digestion. This biogas can be used as an additional energy source in POM, replacing some fossil fuel needs. This project has been implemented in palm oil mills in Indonesia, such as in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
Click the link below to learn more about Organics portfolio in implementing anaerobic digesters:
Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME)
Biomass and Biogas Co-Firing in Palm Oil Mill
Biomass and biogas co-firing in POM is a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution. Biogas can be used as an additional fuel in boilers or for power generation used in factory operations. The benefits of this combination include:
- Energy Efficiency: Biogas can increase combustion efficiency in boilers.
- Emission Reduction: Biogas is a low-carbon energy source that can reduce the emission footprint of POM.
- Waste Optimization: Using biogas means reducing environmental pollution from POME.
In Indonesia, the implementation of biomass and biogas co-firing in the palm oil industry is quite common. One project that has been successfully implemented is the Organics project, which built a biogas and biomass co-firing system for boilers at Sinarmas. This project handles 80 tons per hour (tph) of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) and produces 10 MW thermal. The success of this project shows that the combination of biomass and biogas can be an economical and sustainable solution for the palm oil industry.
Challenges and Obstacles
Despite having many benefits, the implementation of biomass and biogas co-firing in the palm oil industry still faces several challenges, including:
- Large Initial Investment: Boiler modifications and biogas system installations require substantial investment costs.
- Biomass Quality Variability: Biomass quality can vary depending on the season and location of POM.
- Regulations and Incentives: Although regulations support renewable energy, incentives and technical support still need to be improved to be more attractive to the industry.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Storage and distribution of biogas and biomass are still obstacles in some areas.
To overcome these obstacles, appropriate steps are needed with collaboration between the industrial sectors. As a renewable energy EPC, Organics can realize biomass and biogas co-firing projects, ensuring that each project is designed according to the needs and capacity of each palm oil mill.
Some of the advantages offered by Organics include:
- Feasibility Analysis: Organics conducts in-depth studies to ensure that the projects implemented provide optimal benefits for POM.
- Economic Efficiency: Although using technology from Europe, Organics ensures that this does not become an obstacle in investment, while still prioritizing manufacturing and local workforce empowerment.
- Flexible Technology: The designed system is adapted to the characteristics of the biomass produced by each POM and the boiler specifications used by the client.
- Regulatory Compliance: Organics guarantees that the developed system meets applicable standards and regulations.
With the right approach, the implementation of biomass and biogas co-firing can be an effective, sustainable, and profitable solution for the palm oil industry.
Conclusion
Biomass and biogas co-firing in the palm oil industry is a sustainable solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and optimize the utilization of industrial waste. Although there are several challenges in its implementation, this solution remains a strategic step in supporting the clean energy transition in Indonesia.
By working with Organics, Palm Oil Mill can overcome challenges such as initial investment, biomass variability, and infrastructure limitations. We provide flexible, efficient, and regulatory-compliant solutions to ensure optimal and sustainable co-firing implementation.
Contact Us
For more information on biogas technology and how it can benefit your organization, contact our sustainable energy consulting team today. Embrace green innovation and transform your waste management strategy with cutting-edge biogas solutions.
Raja Badrulhisham
sham@organics.co.uk | +60135287139
REFERENCE
[1] “Wikipedia,” 28 October 2023. [Online]. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cofiring. [Accessed 8 March 2025].
[2] S. M. S. B. Mir Saman Pishvaee, “Chapter 2 – Biofuel supply chain structures and activities,” in Academic Press, 2021, pp. 21-36.
[3] D. M. T. E. K. Yohannes M. Simanjuntak, “Analisis Potensi Biomassa Limbah Pabrik Kelapa Sawit (PKS),” Jurnal ELKHA, vol. 8, 2016.