Jakarta, INTI - A research team from the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) Surabaya has successfully created a palm oil-based alternative fuel called Benwit. This innovation is expected as a solution to national energy security amid the threat of a fuel crisis.
This research was led by Hosta Ardhyananta from the ITS Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering. He developed a method to convert palm oil into biogasoline, named Benwit (Bensin Sawit) or Palm Oil Gasoline.
Hosta said that Indonesia has abundant crude palm oil (CPO) reserves, giving it significant potential for use as an alternative energy feedstock. In one process, around 50-55% of the palm oil feedstock can be converted into palm oil gasoline.
"If 10 kilograms of palm oil is processed, it can produce about 5 liters of gasoline, while the leftover is used as fuel for the process," he said.
This makes the Benwit production process more efficient and generates minimal waste. However, Benwit cannot yet be used purely in motor vehicles. It still must go through a blending method. The composition is approximately 10% Benwit and 90% conventional gasoline, without requiring engine modifications.
"A 10% saving is already very impactful," said Hosta.
Benwit is Different from Bioethanol
Hosta emphasized that Benwit differs from bioethanol made from cassava or sugarcane, as promoted by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia. Benwit is made from palm oil, thus utilizing the potential of Indonesia's leading commodities.
In its process, Benwit uses a catalytic cracking method, a technique that breaks down large molecules into smaller ones using a catalyst.
The latest development uses a bimetallic catalyst based on nickel oxide (NiO) and copper oxide (CuO), which can lower the operating temperature from 42 degrees Celsius to 380 degrees Celsius and increase biogasoline yield by up to 83%. The resulting product is dominated by short hydrocarbons (C5–C11) chains, the main components of commercial gasoline.
Analysis results show that Benwit production has a low carbon footprint, thus aligning with the principles of clean and sustainable energy.
ITS Rector Bambang Pramujati stated that this innovation can help reduce Indonesia's dependence on fossil fuels, imported fuels, and strengthen national energy security. ITS also plans to coordinate with the Ministry of ESDM so that Benwit can be tested as a national project.
Conclusion
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) has created an alternative fuel made from palm oil called Benwit. The research was led by Hosta Ardhyananta. In one production process, 50-55% of the palm oil used can be converted into palm oil gasoline, and the rest can be used to fuel the next process. Even though Benwit production process is efficient and produces less waste, it still cannot be used purely in motor vehicles and must be blended with 90% conventional fuel. Benwit production process uses catalytic cracking method, which generates the main components of commercial gasoline and produces a low carbon footprint. ITS plans to make the research a national project with the support of the Ministry of ESDM.
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