The palm oil industry, aside from being a primary source of palm oil, is also a significant generator of waste. However, through innovative technology, waste from palm oil mills can be transformed into potential green energy, namely Green Hydrogen.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green Hydrogen is produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy, offering a promising alternative to reduce carbon footprint. Essentially, Green Hydrogen can be considered a "clean fuel" as it produces no carbon emissions when utilized. This innovation is particularly relevant in the context of palm oil mill waste processing, where organic waste can be converted into a clean and sustainable energy source.

Processing Procedure

• 1. Utilization of Organic Waste
  
  Liquid waste from palm oil mills, previously regarded as an environmental issue, becomes raw material for producing Green Hydrogen. This process undoubtedly reduces the negative impact of waste on the environment while creating added value.
• 2. Fermentation and Biodegradation
  
  Organic waste undergoes fermentation and biodegradation processes to generate methane gas (CH4). This methane gas can then be used as an energy source for electricity generation or the electrolysis process.
• 3. Water Electrolysis
  
  In the process of water electrolysis, methane gas produced from palm oil mill waste is used to separate water molecules into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). This hydrogen is what is referred to as Green Hydrogen.

Environmental Benefits and Economic Value

• 1. Environmental Benefits and Economic Value
  
  By utilizing Green Hydrogen as an energy source, palm oil mills can significantly reduce carbon emissions and create a positive impact on climate change.
• 2. Energy Diversification
  
  The use of Green Hydrogen also aids in diversifying the energy sources of palm oil mills, making them more self-sufficient and sustainable.
• 3. Economic Value Addition
  
  Apart from creating clean energy, the transformation of waste into Green Hydrogen opens up new economic opportunities. This includes sales to the green energy market and potentially obtaining carbon credits.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) regarding support for Green Hydrogen Development, Indonesia has a strong foundation for Green Hydrogen development. Thus, Green Hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in decarbonizing the transportation sector, starting in 2031.

Now is the time for stakeholders in the Palm Oil Industry to consider transitioning from conventional methods to innovative technologies in waste processing. This way, palm oil mills can pioneer the transformation of waste into a clean energy source, contributing to global efforts towards sustainable and environmentally friendly energy.