Biomass : The Sexy Savior

In terms of environmental aspects biomass is a carbon neutral energy source, this is different from fossil fuels, especially coal, which is a carbon positive energy source. The more coal is consumed (burned) for energy sources, the higher the concentration of greenhouse gases, namely CO2 in the atmosphere. The higher concentration of CO2 gas in the atmosphere means increasing the temperature of the earth which causes the phenomenon of climate change and global warming. According to data from the Mauna Loa observatory in Hawaii, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has reached more than 400 ppm and it is in a state of danger to the environment. As a global problem, of course, the global approach taken to solve the problem is like the annual climate conference, which in 2018 yesterday or the 25th was held in Katowice, Poland.

Indonesia as a tropical country is more suitable to develop biomass as its energy source than solar energy. Why is that? For more details, please read here. In addition, the position on the equator also has great potential as the largest producer of biomass, more details can be read here. Agricultural, livestock and forestry wastes are one of the sources of the biomass. Agricultural wastes such as rice husks, palm oil empty bunches, coconut fiber, corn cobs and so on are also very large in number. But it can also be cultivated specifically by making energy plantation. There are millions of hectares of land available that can be used for the energy plantations. Coal mine holes that reach 8 million hectares if reclaimed are also potential for the development of these energy plantation, for more details can be read here. With the development of energy plantations, besides getting energy, it can also be used as a means of water conservation and meat production by integrating with livestock such as sheep or cattle. Not only that honey production with bee farms that use flowers from energy plantation is also very potential. For more details can also be read here. The potential for biomass energy in Indonesia is also very large, according to ESDM when it is converted to electricity reaching approximately 50 GW but only 3% is used.

Technically, biomass fuels also have many advantages, such as there is no problem with fly ash, the sulfur content is very small and the ash is not hazard / poisonous material but can even be used for fertilizer crops. Utilization of biomass as an energy source is also nothing new, even before coal is used massively, the biomass fuels is the main energy source, for more details can be read here and here. Not only that, even the European Union has implemented various policies to encourage the use of renewable energy massively such as the 20-20-20 target or RED (Renewable Energy Directive) I, namely increasing the efficiency of energy use by 20%, using renewable energy reaching 20% ​​and the target has been applied in 2020. Of the 20% of renewable energy 80% of them are biomass energy. And because the target is almost over, they are preparing a replacement for RED II with a portion of renewable energy increasing by almost 1/3 with a target time of 2030 and a portion of biomass energy still reaching around 80%. Another example is Japan, which since the accident occurred with the Fukhushima nuclear power plant in 2011, then biomass energy is one of the main energy sources in the country. Biomass energy does have an advantage in its utilization because it is not affected by weather as well as wind and water energy. And more importantly the development of biomass energy in line with the Qur'an for more details can be read here.

CPO for Petroleum Fuel Subtitution

The production of biodiesel or fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) is commonly heard by us and now the product has been used as a mixture of diesel fuel such as B20 and called biosolar. Recorded biodiesel production made from CPO in Indonesia has reached more than 2.5 million tons / year which also means the largest in Asia. For the biodiesel production to be economical, it should use cheap materials such as low grade CPO or high FFA CPO or PAO (Palm Acid Oil). With a high level of acidity on CPO, it cannot be directly used in diesel engines (internal combustion engines), especially diesel vehicles. But diesel engines for power plants can operate directly with CPO even to certain acidity levels. But if the acidity level is too high as in PAO, it also cannot be directly used so it needs to be converted into biodiesel or reduced its acidity to be used by the diesel engine. Standard quality CPO has a FFA of less than 5%, while low grade CPO or high FFA CPO is more than 5%. Standard CPO is for edible oil, while high FFA CPO is not for non-edible oil, but there is no clear grouping in Indonesia about it.

While CPO production for gasoline production (bio-gasoline) is something new, as well as the production of liquid bio-petroleum gas (LBG) or LPG versions of this CPO (green LPG). Although both through chemical processes but the chemical process for the production of biodiesel with bio-gasoline and LBG is different. Biodiesel production uses a transesterification or estrans (esterification and transesterification) process while bio-gasoline and LBG are processed with co-processing technology which is currently produced at the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (RFCCU) facility at the Pertamina Plaju refinery in Palembang, South Sumatra. Not 100% of the gasoline produced comes from CPO but there is a fossil fuel content in it.

The CPO produced from palm oil mills also cannot be directly used for the production of bio-gasoline but must be processed first in the purification unit so that it becomes Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Oil (RBDPO) or CPO which has been cleaned from sap and odor. The production of bio-gasoline and LBG with CPO raw materials and will be commercially developed at other Pertamina refineries if it turns out the process is economical. Pertamina said that with the process, the country would save 160 million dollars from importing crude oil. In the production of bio-gasoline in addition to the above process, there are actually already popular methods of fermentation from raw materials of sugar, starch and lignocellulose biomass. The lignocellulose biomass with gasification route followed by Fischer-Tropsch can also be used for bio-gasoline production without even the need to mix with fossil fuels. The bio-gasoline production process in the last ways will be discussed later. Insha Allah.

Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit

In the energy sector, especially Indonesia's petroleum fuel oil, it is predicted that in the next 10 years it will run out. So with this matter that CPO as a fuel or a substitute energy source for petroleum fuel is very important and is of concern to all parties. Moreover, Indonesia is also the largest CPO producer in the world, which is 38.17 million tons or 41.98 tons in total with palm kernel oil (PKO) in 2017. Brazil is the largest producer of bio-gasoline (bioethanol) in the world because it is also the largest sugar producer with sugar cane plantations reaching 9 million hectares, the question is Indonesia with the largest CPO producing country and its 12 million hectare plantation area is also able to become the biggest producer of biofuels (biodiesel and bio-gasoline)? The use of CPO for the production of fuel (energy) is very likely to be prone to conflict with the use of human food. In these conditions, of course, the food problem is prioritized over energy, for more details can be read here. America has been in conflict with Mexico because corn production has been prioritized for the production of bioethanol (bio-gasoline) while Mexico, which normally imports from America for food, has a shortage of corn supply and has resulted in Tortilla riots. This becomes an expensive lesson so we do not want repeat.

With 38.17 million tons of CPO production, the use of the food sector, especially cooking oil by 3-5% (equivalent to approximately 2 million tons), other sectors namely CPO derivative products such as oleochemical 3.8 million tons / year then the energy sector namely biodiesel 2,5 million tons, export 70% (equivalent to approximately 27 million tons) so there are still 2.87 million tons which can be processed into bio-gasoline (green gasoline). Another thing that needs to be addressed is that Indonesia should not export raw materials to other countries such as CPO so that its exports should be at least semi-finished goods and even better in the form of finished goods. The structure or pattern of Indonesia which still exports a lot of raw materials for other countries indicates that it is a developing country. Export CPO should be minimized but export of CPO derivative products such as biofuel and oleochemicals that still need to be improved. As a comparison, of the export percentage of biofuels, especially biodiesel and oleochemicals in Malaysia, it is greater than its CPO, while Indonesia's exports are mostly in the form of CPO. This is also because processing CPO into derivative products is still not widely done in Indonesia.

If we think more deeply that the above matters further prove the truth of the words of Allah SWT, namely in the Qur'an Surat Yaasiin (36): 80 and Surat Waqi'ah (56): 71-72 about fire (energy) from a green tree. The facts above show that from tree species as a producer of various energy sources. Even as an oil-producing tree, palm oil production is the highest of various other plants. If palm oil is produced of oil products for biofuels, namely liquid and gas fuels, while from woody trees such as calliandra, wood pellets can be produced which are solid fuels. The things above have proven that really the energy source comes from trees in the form of liquid fuels, solid fuels and gas fuels, even with the electrochemical mechanism of the trees can also produce electricity, read more here. Additional information on the development of Al-Qur'an-based energy can be read here. Lamb farming is also very well integrated with palm oil plantations because it reduces and even eliminates dependence on chemical fertilizers for more details here. The clue from Allah SWT which accompanies of planting the tree is grazing among the trees, namely in the Qur'an Surat An-Nahl (16): 10-11, A'basa (80): 24-32 and QS Thaahaa (20) : 54).

Transmigration For Sheep Grazing In Palm Oil Plantation, Is It Possible?

"It is He Who has sent down rain from the sky for you, partly a drink and partly (fertilizes) the plants, on which you are grazing your cattle. "(QS 16:10)

"Eat and graze your cattle. Verily in that is, there are signs of Allah for those who understand. "(QS 20:54)

"" Every Prophet sent by Allah is shepherded sheep / goats ". His friends asked: "So are you?"; The Messenger of Allah said: "Yes, I herded with the wages of some qirath  from the Mecca inhabitants". (H.R. Bukhari)

Indonesia has around 12 million hectares of palm oil plantations currently, comprising 4.8 million hectares of smallholder plantations, 6.2 million hectares of private plantations and 0.8 million hectares of state plantations. The palm oil plantation requires a number of treatments that can continue to produce especially with the target of producing certain fresh fruit bunches (FFB) per hectare. Moreover, the productivity of FFB in Indonesia in general is also lower than Malaysia, which is only about half. Maintaining soil fertility is an important factor to maintain the continuity and production target of palm oil FFB. Efforts to maintain soil fertility is cheap, easy, effective and sustainable is what is sought by all farmers or entrepreneurs of palm oil. Grazing sheep in palm oil plantations is an effective solution.

Why sheep grazing can be such an effective solution? The sheep that are grazed in the palm oil plantation, will spread the dung into fertilizer for palm oil plantations. In addition to fertilize palm trees, sheep grazing in the palm oil plantation also means massive and most economical meat production. Viewed from the food side, palm oil is used as an oil in human consumption or edible oil  provides fat, while lamb (sheep) provides protein, two things essential for human food. Palm oil plantations need to keep their soil fertile, meat consumption of the Indonesian population is still low only 1/4 of the world so needs to be improved, sheep also export commodities, which Saudi Arabia needs at least 8 million head / year, and economic activities outside Java need continue to be increased so that jobs can continue to be opened, the current distribution of 60% of Indonesian population is concentrated in Java island, are the driving force of sheep grazing in palm oil plantations. Sheep will be the best treasure of Muslims and have many advantages over other livestock, for more details can be read here, here and here.

Allan Savory, a biologist from Zimbabwe has proven with a planned grazing program, or with the concept of Holistic Planned Grazing, has even saved the earth by re-greening it with very large area, namely  ​​16 million hectares or nearly 2.5 times the area of ​​Indonesian palm oil plantation. Allan Savory uses the cow as the grazing animal. Sheep are definitely superior in some aspects, such as the explanation in the links above. Allan Savory alone who only human beings with the concept can prove save the earth with the extent of millions of hectares, well what if the sunnah (example) of the Prophets applied namely sheep grazing applied? Of course the result will far outweigh the concept of Allan Savory in all its aspects, let alone just overcome a number of problems in palm oil plantations and our food, especially meat. In addition, it is clear that the above verses of the Qur'an also gives hint as to where the actual grazing sites are most suitable for livestock. Are Muslim farmers and businessmen in Indonesia and Malaysia not particularly interested in applying sheep grazing in their palm oil plantations as an effective solution, following the sunnah (example) and guidance of the Qur'anic verses above?

Portion of Animal Protein Sources According to the Qur'an

Transmigration that was once encouraged in the New Order era in Indonesia, should be done again. When transmigration at that time to farm by cultivating the soil and planting crops, even to the opening of a million hectares of rice fields that are currently conditions are pathetic, then the current transmigration is for sheep grazing in the area of ​​palm oil plantations. It will be easier, because the  palm oil plantations have also existed and are very wide. If it is applied then there will be hundreds of millions of sheep grazed in palm oil plantations and very many jobs are available. Al Qur'an also indicates the source of protein from big livestock occupies the largest portion of poultry and fish. The source of animal protein ie from big livestock is revealed in at least 7 verses or 64%, of fish revealed in 3 verses or 27% and of poultry revealed in 1 verse or 9%. So for the fulfillment of protein needs the priority is from large livestock, especially be grazed, because in addition to producing cheap protein, also fertilize the land for various human needs.

In terms of energy, palm trees as well as a source of renewable energy. The oil in addition to food is also to for energy ie biodiesel, coir (mesocrap fiber) and shell as well as fuel. Palm kernel shells have become export commodities that are sought after by many countries in the world. Even when the palm shell is exhausted due to high demand for both export and domestic use, the empty fruit bunches (EFB) will also be used for fuels such as EFB pellets. When the empty palm fruit bunches are composted, and then pellet is made, so the fertility of the soil becomes a problem then grazing the sheep as a solution, for more details can be read here. The use of palm trees as a source of food and energy in line with the era of bioeconomy that we will soon enter. 

Energy Development Based on Al Qur'an

Allah SWT hinted in the Qur'an Surah Yaasiin (36): 80 and Surah Waqi'ah (56): 71-72 that energy comes from green trees. From this it is very clear where the direction of energy development so that, that comes from the trees, so do not need to be confused with other sources such as grass, vines, plants that float or float in the waters and so forth. Of course, much wisdom and excellence about the source of energy from green trees because Allah Almighty Creator, Ruler, Regulator and Sustainer of the universe is hinted. The fossil energy we use today also comes from plants - millions of years ago. The instructions from Allah who accompanied the planting of trees, were the shepherding among the trees in the Qur'an An-Nahl (16): 10-11, A'basa (80): 24-32 and QS Thaahaa (20): 54 ). In the Qur'an Surah Al An'am (6): 143-144 among eight eight animals in pairs (4 pairs) are two (one pair) sheeps, a pair of goats, a pair of camels and a pair of cattle and sheeps mentioned in the first, of course this sheep has its own privileges, among others, sheep selected as the best animal for qurban (QS Ash Shaaffaat (37): 107) and animals that are pastored by all Prophets. By shepherding it among the woody trees, sheep farms are cheap because they feed on the grasses among the trees, the dirt from the sheep will fertilize the soil where the trees are planted and the grass that the sheep feed, the trees Will also absorb CO2 and release O2 for human breathing, the root of the trees prevents erosion, lowers the surface temperature of the earth, rebuilds ecosystems and so on. The absorption of CO2 by these trees will decrease CO2 concentrations in the earth, as greenhouse gases are causing climate change, and now the concentrations are already exceeding 400 ppm. Human with the limitations of their knowledge is very likely not able to capture all the wisdom contained from the verses of Allah.

For energy, our ranking is ranked only 63 out of 124 countries according to the World Economic Forum. It is not encouraging and it means demanding hard efforts also from various parties to be able to achieve adequate energy sufficiency. In the 1980s our oil production was estimated to be around 1700 Barrel Per Day (BPD) while consumption was only in the range of 400 BPD, while the current oil production is around 800 BPD while the consumption of 1400s BPD. Indonesia became a net importer of oil with a volume of about 600 BPD. Very large, so that in a short time the production volume will equal the volume of imports, until finally could be all the needs of oil comes from imports. It is predicted that in 10 years Indonesia will run out of this type of energy and must buy (import) from oil exporting countries. It could be in the coming years that Indonesia will buy all its oil needs, but keep in mind also as the increase of the population of exporter countries oil will also require more oil so that it is used for domestic consumption, and may not be exportable to other countries. Indonesia's natural gas is expected to run out in the 30s and coal 80s of the year from now. Are we going to continue to drain our natural resources as we do today until we become dysfunctional because we do not have adequate energy sources? While on the other hand hundreds of millions hectares of abandoned land, not used and only save the potential for disaster that can happen at any time. Are we going to pass on the natural damage to our children and grandchildren? Of course not. But how is the solution? The solution is to return to the direction of Allah through the verses of the Qur'an above.

Based on the form of energy or fuel grouped into 3, namely solid, liquid and gas. The three types of energy can be generated from the green tree. The solid-state energy or solid fuel, obviously derived from its wood can also be processed to be more efficient in transportation and its use by being a wood pellet and briquette (wood briquette). Wood briquette (sawdust briquette) is furthermore can also be made charcoal (carbonization) into charcoal briquette (sawdust charcoal briquette). The need for sawdust charcoal briquette is increasing from year to year especially in Saudi Arabia and Middle East as the huge need/consumption of sheeps there. Liquid fuels such as bioethanol can be obtained from fermented fruits and plants rich in sugar content. Woods with pyrolysis process will also produce liquid fuels in the form of bio-oil, in addition to gas fuel-rich methane and charcoal. Other liquid fuels are obtained by extracting the oil from the fruits produced such as palm oil, coconut oil and olive oil which can then be used as biodiesel. While gas fuel can be obtained by processing organic wastes from the process of processing these fruits by fermentation (biological route) so that biogas is formed rich methane gas, for example: the production of biogas from palm oil mill effluent or pome. Woods can also produce gas with technology, especially gasification (thermal route). These gases from both the thermal route and the biological route in addition to being fuel can also be processed into useful products for human life such as bioplastics and so on.

Densification technology into wood pellets and wood briquette is the easiest scheme or route in woody biomass processing and its current and future needs are also very large. This time also began to emerge producers of wood pellets and wood briquette in various regions in Indonesia. Generally, the production of the above two commodities still uses wood waste as its raw material with limited supply. Palm oil empty fruit bunches are solid waste palm oil mills that are currently not widely processed. As the world's largest CPO producer with a palm plantation area of nearly 11 million hectares and more than 600 palm oil factories, the waste of empty fruit bunches are also very abundant.

Making energy plantation is the best way to get raw materials. Moreover, energy plantation is also added with activity of sheep grazing and cattle fattening, as described in link 5F Project ForThe World!. Calliandra as a legume crop species and can harvest quickly with high productivity of wood and can grow again so that it can be harvested continuously every year without replanting until decades very suitable for plant of energy plantation. Extensive plantations with similar crops (monocultures) will make them vulnerable to disease. Fruit trees or hardwood trees are either made into a distraction from the calliandra energy plantation. The harvest of calliandra wood can be processed into wood pellets to meet domestic and export energy needs. The export market of wood pellets is huge because a number of countries in Asia and Europe have encouraged the use of energy from biomass especially wood pellets.

In the end with the motivation or encouragement of the Qur'an is coupled with the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW about syirkah (muslim cooperation) should every Muslim is increasingly compelled to implement these guidelines. Economic aspect or financial advantage as the main motivation to try will certainly also be obtained in addition to the main one is blessing. Only with these guidelines the management of nature will continue to be sustainable and provide optimal benefits for all human beings. Specifically for energy or fuel from woody biomass can be started from the manufacture of calliandra plantation and then processed for wood pellet production, to further fill the ready market as in European countries, Korea, Japan and so on, and while educating / preparing the domestic market. The second potential which is also very abundant but not yet widely used today is the empty fruit bunches of palm oil mill waste, to be made EFB pellet.