PLN EPI targets 1 million tonnes of biomass exports in 2026

PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia (PLN EPI), energy procurement arm of state electricity firm PT PLN (Persero)  is targeting biomass exports of about 1 million tonnes in 2026 to capitalize on surplus bioenergy feedstock that cannot yet be fully absorbed by domestic power plants.

Hokkop Situngkir, Director of Biomass at PLN EPI, said around 200,000 tonnes of export contracts have been secured so far, leaving about 800,000 tonnes still being pursued this year.

The biomass products targeted for export include palm kernel shells and wood pellets. Indonesia’s total biomass exports by various companies reached around 10 million to 12 million tonnes in 2025, while PLN EPI’s biomass consumption for coal plant cofiring reached only about 2.4 million tonnes.

Read also: PLN EPI projects higher coal, gas and biomass demand in 2026

Export prices are generally higher than domestic prices. Biomass for domestic cofiring is priced at around IDR 700,000 per tonne (about $41), while export prices for palm kernel shells range between IDR 1 million and IDR 1.3 million per tonne (about $59 to $77).

PLN EPI has secured export contracts with buyers in Poland and is exploring potential deals with companies in Japan.

Despite targeting exports, the company said domestic supply remains a priority as demand continues to rise. PLN EPI expects biomass demand for cofiring at 49 coal power plants to reach about 3.65 million tonnes in 2026, up from around 2.4 million tonnes in 2025.

The company aims to increase biomass utilization to about 8 million tonnes by 2034 as part of Indonesia’s long term electricity development plan.

Editing by Alexander Ginting