Indonesia is taking bold steps in its fight against climate change by integrating bioenergy production with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. This innovative approach, known as Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), was highlighted during a panel discussion at the Indonesia Pavilion of the COP29 UNFCCC Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 15, 2024.

The discussion, titled "Harmonizing the Power of Nature and Tech: Forest Management Meets BECCS in Climate Action," brought together key figures from both government and private sectors. Ristianto Pribadi, Director of Forest Product Processing and Marketing at the Ministry of Forestry, and Shinji Kasai, President Director of PT Marubeni Indonesia, were among the notable participants.

BECCS is a groundbreaking approach that combines sustainable forest management, bioenergy production, and carbon capture and storage. This integration creates a negative carbon process, generating energy while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process involves capturing and storing the carbon emissions produced during bioenergy production, effectively creating a carbon-negative energy source.

A significant development in this initiative is the Joint Study Agreement signed between Marubeni Indonesia and PT Pertamina in August 2024. Their plan involves capturing emissions from biomass energy use at Marubeni's pulp plant and injecting them into Pertamina's inactive oil and gas wells. This stored carbon dioxide can potentially be used to enhance oil and gas production or be absorbed by plants as fertilizer through photosynthesis.

Indonesia's geography provides a unique advantage for this technology, with carbon storage well locations often situated close to forest areas. For instance, a well in South Sumatra is located just 5 kilometers from a forest area, facilitating efficient integration of forest management and carbon storage.

The implementation of BECCS in Indonesia requires strong collaboration between the government, businesses, and communities, particularly in research and implementation phases. This holistic approach to climate action not only addresses carbon emissions but also ensures the sustainable management of forests, which are crucial for the continuity of biomass supply as raw material for bioenergy.

By pioneering the integration of bioenergy and CCS technology, Indonesia is positioning itself at the forefront of innovative climate change mitigation strategies. This initiative demonstrates the country's commitment to exploring advanced technological solutions while leveraging its natural resources in the global fight against climate change.