Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) in Surabaya, Indonesia, has unveiled an innovative technology known as Benwit, or Palm Gasoline, which converts crude palm oil into high-quality biogasoline. This development presents a promising alternative for reducing Indonesia's reliance on imported petroleum and foreign extraction technologies.
The breakthrough comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions that have disrupted the global oil market, threatening energy supply security across Southeast Asia. Emerging economies like Indonesia are increasingly focusing on energy sovereignty to protect national interests against the volatility of fossil fuel supply chains.
Dr. Eng. Hosta Ardhyananta, who led the research, explained that the process involves an advanced catalytic cracking method. This method, funded by the Indonesian Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency, decomposes large triglyceride molecules in crude palm oil into lighter hydrocarbon fractions suitable for combustion engines.
Hosta's team optimized the reaction by introducing a bimetallic catalyst composed of Nickel Oxide and Copper Oxide. This innovation reduced the operating temperature from 380°C to 320°C and increased the biogasoline yield from 60% to 83%. The resulting fuel consists of short-chain hydrocarbons, closely resembling commercial gasoline.
The process also reflects a zero-emission approach, recycling gaseous byproducts as a heat source for reactors and repurposing liquid residues as fuel for industrial or household stoves. Hosta noted that the innovation has been tested with agricultural machinery and conventional internal combustion engines through a blending method with fossil fuels.
The Indonesian government plans to implement B50 biodiesel in July, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on affordable and clean energy, and responsible consumption and production. A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment conducted by the research team indicates that the production process generates a minimal carbon footprint compared to conventional fossil fuels.
The development of Benwit has received full support from Indonesian Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman. Collaboration with PT Perkebunan Nusantara PalmCo IV is expected to commence following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with ITS.
Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, Rector of ITS, emphasized the timeliness of Benwit, noting the strategic opportunity for the government to accelerate the transition toward alternative energy sources. Utilizing domestic palm oil reserves could help mitigate the effects of external fuel crises.
Benwit bio-based fuel products for agricultural machinery and conventional vehicles represent a significant policy instrument for advancing the transition to renewable energy while reinforcing national energy security.
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