Indonesian university expert develops biogas and nyamplung oil fuels for agricultural machinery

An agricultural machinery engineering expert at IPB University has developed renewable energy innovations that utilise nyamplung oil and biogas as alternative fuels for agricultural equipment, presenting significant potential for energy independence in Indonesia's farming sector.
Professor Desrial announced the breakthrough during a scientific oration on 24 January, explaining that nyamplung oil can be used directly as fuel for agricultural diesel engines as part of renewable energy technology development in agriculture.
"Nyamplung oil can be used directly as fuel for agricultural diesel engines," Prof Desrial said. "This is part of the development of renewable energy technology in the agricultural sector."
The potential of nyamplung oil in Indonesia reaches approximately 4.8 million tonnes annually, making it highly viable as a renewable energy source. Performance testing of diesel engines using pure nyamplung oil has demonstrated promising results, with engines fuelled by nyamplung oil showing similar performance patterns to conventional diesel fuel.
The research forms part of biofuel-powered diesel engine development, specifically focusing on coconut oil and nyamplung oil fuels. Through a fuel heating system that utilises exhaust heat, conventional diesel engines can be adapted to use pure vegetable oil without undergoing complicated chemical conversion processes.
Laboratory and field test results show diesel engines remain stable with acceptable power reduction levels.
The technology has potential applications across agricultural tools and machinery, generators and fishing boat engines, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Prof Desrial's research was included in the list of 104 most promising innovations in Indonesia.
Biogas converter technology
Beyond vegetable oil applications, Prof Desrial has developed biogas converter technology as a renewable energy solution for rural communities. The converter is designed to be simple, easy to manufacture and can be directly installed on petrol engines to replace carburettors.
"The potential for biogas in livestock farming areas is enormous," Prof Desrial explained. "In Indonesia, the potential reaches around 28 million cubic metres per year. This can be utilised for petrol engines."
The biogas converter has undergone direct testing on cattle farms using biogas from digesters. Results demonstrate that water pumps using biogas fuel operate effectively and stably, making them suitable for use by farmers and ranchers.
Prof Desrial also addressed national energy policy, noting Indonesia has implemented the B40 programme and is preparing to advance towards B50. This programme aligns with government efforts through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen biofuel use, particularly palm oil-based fuels.
"This innovation confirms that the development of the national agricultural machinery industry must be based on three main pillars, namely the suitability of technology to the tropical agroecosystem, the use of renewable energy based on local resources, and the readiness of technology to be adopted by users," Prof Desrial said.