Palm oil is currently the world’s largest source of edible oil. POM in Indonesia produces about 23 MT crude
CPO or 46% of the total world palm oil producing in 2011 [1]. It is predicted that the demand of world palm oil will
remain increase as followed by population growth, food and chemical industrialized.
More CPO produced is more palm biomass wastes. A POM wastes around 12 to 15% fiber, 5 to 7% shell, and 20
to 23% EFB based on its capacity. However, this biomass waste is needed to be utilized effectively to overcome its
disposal problem since environmental concern today.
Palm biomass have been long identified and utilized as renewable energy but there is rare energy power plant
applied. The Government of Indonesia has taken steps with this concept with the National Energy Policy in 2006
that is aimed to increase biomass based energy to 5% by 2025. Nowadays, converting POM waste into energy is
supposed by Protocol Kyoto with the objective of reducing GHG emissions [2].
Actually, POM is applying a cogeneration system in producing steam and electricity demand in the milling
process by using one source of fuel [3, 4]. Cogeneration system consists of boiler, turbine, and generator [3]. Fiber
and shell (70:30) are burnt directly in boiler to form saturated or superheated steam. A half of the steam is used for
milling process such as sterilization, kernel storage, etc. Residual steam is converted to electricity by using a turbine.
EFB is not commonly fed as fuel because it contains high moisture content. EFB is usually applied for mulching in
oil palm plantation or compost even though EFB transportation is related to the environmental aspects. However,
fiber, shell and EFB have a high caloric value that can be utilized as an energy source for useful purpose.
Heat and power generated by cogeneration is more than sufficient for milling process of POM. On the other
hand, POM miller needs to reduce palm biomass waste. Due to that many POM burnt more biomass waste to obtain
more energy that not only use for milling process but also distribute it excess electricity to employee resident and
local people. This delivery electricity concept can be applied to support electricity demand in North Sumatera by
using national grid line as the distributing system.
This paper describes a study analysis of electrical potential generated by palm biomass in North Sumatera. The
analysis is useful for cluster power plant planning in North Sumatera. Others benefit of the study is to reduce GHG
emissions risk, increase employment of local people and increase add value of palm oil plantation.