Application of Biogas Technology in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Application of Biogas Technology in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia - The spirit of the government to streamline the budget by reducing subsidies gradually lead to the development of alternative fuel and renewable energy sectors. Biogas technology is a very old technology that was developed and used in various countries since decades ago. The technology is easily applied and operated even in different parts of the world, from rurals of Africa with a very-simple technique, to industrial scale in country like Germany. The biogas technology is very suitable developed in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), as the NTB is one of the largest cattle-producing center in Indonesia.

Besides to the potential of biogas application that is feasible (easily constructed), biogas production also provide economic value-added for society as a ready means of energy providers. Based on the calculation of the utilization of manure from two cattles, the biogas production can reach 1 m³ per day. One metric ton (1 m³) of biogas is equivalent to:

• 60-100 watt light bulb for 6 hours.
• 5-6 hours to cook using gas stoves
• Equivalent to 0.7 liters of gasoline
• Able to produce 1.25 kwh electricity

Biogas is a gaseous mixture of methane (60-70%), CO₂ and other gases generated by bacterial methanogenesis found in swamps and ruminants stomachs like cattles and buffaloes.

Biogas formed through three stages: hydrolysis, acidification (acidification), and methanogenesis. In the hydrolysis stage, the molecules of oxidized enzymatically into short molecules. These short-chain molecules is degraded further into organic acids by acetogenic bacteria. Furthermore, organic acids are degraded into methane. The entire gas produced in the third stage of the process is called biogas.

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Indonesia Supplies 10 percent of Singapore's Vegetables Demand

Coordinating Minister for Economy, Hatta Rajasa, said Indonesia has met 10 percent of the thousands of tons of Singapore needs on vegetables during 2010.

"In 2010, we've reached 10 percent of the needs of Singapore's supply of vegetables," Hatta said after accompanying President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on working visit in Riau Islands Province on Sunday.

Hatta emphasized that the government agreed to make the Riau Islands as a center of agriculture, especially vegetables that will be exported to Singapore.

The government hopes that the existence of the Riau Islands as a center of agriculture could boost vegetable exports Indonesia to Singapore.

"Until 2014, we already have to increase above 40 percent," he said.

Hatta said the president has commissioned a number of researchers from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture to examine the types of agricultural products are suitable to be developed in the Riau Islands and then exported to Singapore.

The President also asked local officials to plan special agricultural land clearing for agricultural products.

The President also reminded that all have to give priority to regional development while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Presidential visit also resulted in an agreement to build the Riau Islands to be integrated area for the various sectors, including fisheries, business and tourism.

For that, the government will build a number of infrastructure, especially ports and bridges. It will able to increase the connectivity among islands in Kepulauan Riau Province.

In fact, according to Hatta Rajasa, Ministry of Communications is ready to give one unit of the vessel to support the inter-island connectivity.

The government also has prepared a draft spatial Riau Islands are considered to facilitate the achievement of government targets to make the province as one of the attractions of Indonesia.

"The discussion of this spatial structure at the ministerial level has been completed, and just remained to discuss with the House," said Hatta Rajasa.

In the energy sector, the government will make the Natuna as a supplier of energy, particularly gas, to the Riau Islands itself and several other areas.

Source: Antara News