First in Indonesia, PLN Nusantara Power Showcases Bio-CNG Technology for Power Generation at Electricity Connect 2025
Jakarta, 21 November 2025 — PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP) once again reaffirmed its role as a pioneer of Indonesia’s national energy transition by presenting strategic innovations at Electricity Connect 2025, held at the Jakarta International Convention Center (JICC) from 19–21 November 2025. One of the most prominent highlights was the introduction of Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG) as an alternative fuel for gas-fired power plants—a first-of-its-kind breakthrough in Indonesia.
Bio-CNG is produced from the processing of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), a liquid waste from palm oil mills that has long posed environmental challenges. With its high methane content and carbon-neutral characteristics, Bio-CNG can partially substitute natural gas in power generation, significantly reducing carbon emissions while transforming organic waste into clean energy.
PLN NP successfully conducted the first operation and 5% Bio-CNG co-firing trial at PLTGU Belawan on 14 August 2025. All operational parameters were recorded within safe limits, demonstrating the technical feasibility of the innovation and opening strong potential for replication across other PLN NP gas-fired power plants. This momentum was further strengthened by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Bio-CNG development with PT KIS Biofuel Indonesia on 22 September 2025, followed by continued collaboration with PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI) to reinforce the national Bio-CNG supply chain.
Beyond its contribution to carbon emission reduction, Bio-CNG utilization represents a strategic solution to reduce Indonesia’s dependence on fossil-based energy. By leveraging the abundant domestic availability of POME, PLN NP aims to establish a more stable, economical, and sustainable alternative energy source. This initiative is expected to enhance national energy resilience while opening new opportunities for green industry development in palm oil–producing regions.
Looking ahead, PLN NP is mapping potential sources and locations to replicate Bio-CNG utilization at other gas-fired power plants. Research collaboration, supply partnerships, and value chain strengthening are being prepared together with strategic partners to ensure the long-term sustainability of large-scale Bio-CNG production and distribution. If successfully replicated nationwide, this innovation will represent not only a major leap in power sector decarbonization, but also a circular economy model that can be adopted across sectors to drive Indonesia’s green economic growth.
President Director of PLN Nusantara Power, Ruly Firmansyah, emphasized that this innovation marks a critical milestone in the decarbonization journey of Indonesia’s electricity sector.
“Bio-CNG proves that Indonesia has tremendous potential to drive an energy transition based on local resources. From palm oil waste, we are able to produce clean energy that can be directly utilized in power plants. This is a real example of a circular economy and a concrete step toward Net Zero Emission 2060,” Ruly stated.
During Electricity Connect 2025, PLN NP also showcased a range of other innovations, including green hydrogen utilization and ecosystem development, fly ash and bottom ash (FABA) utilization for construction materials, carbon trading initiatives, and its Beyond kWh service portfolio, encompassing Asset Management, Consultancy Services, Power Plant Digitalization, and Sustainable Solutions.
Visitors were also invited to try the Carbon Calculator (s.id/NPCarbonOffset) to measure their carbon footprint and directly offset emissions through projects managed by PLN NP.
Throughout the exhibition, PLN NP signed several strategic cooperation agreements with various partners. These collaborations further reinforce PLN NP’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition and ensuring tangible contributions toward a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable energy system. (*)
Media Contact
Harry Purnomo
Vice President Corporate Communication & CSR
PT PLN Nusantara Power
Tel. +62 31 8283180
About PT PLN Nusantara Power
PT PLN Nusantara Power is a subholding of PT PLN (Persero) dedicated to serving the Indonesian nation while supporting national economic growth by providing high-quality, reliable, and environmentally friendly electricity. The company operates power plants across Indonesia with a total installed capacity of 18,573 MW.
With a vision to become a Leading and Trusted Power Generation Company for Sustainable Energy in Indonesia and the Global Market, PLN Nusantara Power is committed to achieving Net Zero Emission through the development of more than 6.3 GW of renewable energy and by pioneering green power generation nationwide. The company continuously innovates while upholding strong Good Corporate Governance (GCG) principles.