Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has introduced an alternative fuel called Petasol, produced by processing plastic waste using the Fastpol Gen 5 pyrolysis machine. This technology can process various types of plastic, such as LDPE, HDPE, PP, and PS, in wet and dirty conditions.
"This breakthrough is a solution to address the energy crisis, as well as the problem of plastic waste," said Head of BRIN, Arif Satria, during a Petasol test trial in Bandungharjo Village, Donorojo District, Jepara Regency, Central Java, on Friday, April 24.
Petasol for the Fishery and Agriculture Sectors
In the test, the fuel was used to operate fishing boats, demonstrating its potential for direct application in the fisheries sector. Arif explained that Petasol is made from non-recyclable plastic waste. This innovation was developed by BRIN's Energy and Manufacturing Research Organization (OREM) as a response to the threat of the energy crisis and as a solution to process plastic waste into fuel for fishing boats and agricultural equipment.
Arif explained that Petasol has several advantages, including converting waste with no economic value into useful products and producing emissions that meet Lemigas standards.
Going forward, Petasol distribution will not only be focused on Jepara Regency but will also be expanded to coastal areas and other agricultural regions in Indonesia. Arif stated that this innovation has been implemented in around 84 regencies/cities and is expected to continue to expand.
Environmental and Economic Impacts
Tri Martini Patria, Principal Researcher at BRIN’s OREM, explained that this technology not only provides alternative energy but also has environmental and economic impacts.
"Utilizing plastic waste through this pyrolysis technology can reduce CO2e emissions by up to 79 percent compared to open burning. Furthermore, from an economic perspective, there is a potential profit of up to IDR 4,700 per liter of fuel produced," she said.
She also added that the fuel quality has undergone laboratory testing at BRIN and Lemigas, with results that meet Diesel 48 and 51 standards, making it safe for use in engines and vehicles. Moreover, this technology can be applied on a community scale, where a 50-kilogram capacity machine is capable of processing plastic waste from around 1,000 families. This makes Petasol a community-based waste management solution.
Conclusion
BRIN has developed Petasol, an alternative fuel made from plastic waste through pyrolysis technology, as a solution to the energy crisis and waste problem. This innovation has been tested on fishing boats, and it is found to meet emission standards. Petasol also has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 79% and generate economic benefits. According to Arif Satria, Petasol can also be widely applied in coastal areas and agriculture. Tri Martini Patria emphasized its potential as a community-based energy and waste management solution.
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