BRIN Encourages Downstreaming of Energy Research, RNG Technology Tested in 2027

News Script

JAKARTA, GARISBUMI.com – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is encouraging the acceleration of downstream energy research so that it does not stop in laboratories, but can be applied to answer the needs of society and industry.

These efforts were discussed at Energy Week 2026 held by the BRIN Energy Research and Manufacturing Organization (OREM) in Jakarta, Tuesday (22/9/2026).

Head of BRIN Arif Satria said the energy transition is one of the important agendas in Indonesia's transformation into a developed country. This agenda is closely related to efforts to achieve food, energy and water security.

"Developing countries can only become developed countries, one of the requirements is to complete these three things. If developing countries still have food, energy and water problems, it will be difficult for us to make the leap," said Arif.

According to him, Indonesia has large potential for new and renewable energy, ranging from solar energy, geothermal, wind, to bioenergy.

Developing this potential requires collaboration between research institutions, universities, industry, government and society so that the resulting technology can provide wider benefits.

Renewable Gas Technology Tested in 2027

One of the innovations developed by BRIN is Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) based on Adsorbed Natural Gas (ANG) technology. This research was carried out with researchers from Kyoto University, Japan.

ANG-based RNG technology was developed as an alternative to using gas for household needs. BRIN targets this technology to enter the trial and wider dissemination stage in 2027.

Apart from developing technology, BRIN places strengthening human resources and young talents as an important part of supporting the energy transition.

This effort is realized through a number of activities in Energy Week 2026, including the Young Energy Scientist Competition, a high school level quiz competition, and the Waste to Energy Conversion conceptual design competition.

Research Must Move Out of the Laboratory

Head of OREM BRIN Cuk Supriyadi Ali Nandar said Energy Week 2026 was the second year of implementation. This forum is designed to bring together research results with industry needs.

These activities include national seminars, international seminars in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy, exhibitions of research results, as well as various competitions for pupils, students and professionals.

According to Cuk, this forum is a space to discuss the challenges of energy transition, decarbonization and the use of renewable energy.

BRIN encourages research results to move from the laboratory to the testing stage, technology demonstration, joint development with industry, to widespread application.

"Throughout 2026, a number of BRIN energy research will be developed to support these needs, including supporting technology for 100 GW PLTS, battery energy storage system or BESS, development of E20 and B50 biofuels, utilization of biomass through co-firing, reactivation of geothermal power plants, and technology for converting waste into energy," said Cuk.

PLN Prepares Green Electricity Network

PT PLN (Persero) Director of Technology, Engineering and Sustainability Edwin Nugraha Putra conveyed the company's commitment to achieving the net zero emissions target by 2060 through the Accelerated Renewable Energy Development (ARED) scenario.

Edwin assesses that the energy transition requires development of transmission networks, funding support, supply chain readiness and cross-sector collaboration.

PLN is also developing the Green Enabling Super Grid to connect new renewable energy sources in various regions with electricity demand centers.

This infrastructure development is part of efforts to increase the use of renewable energy while meeting national electricity needs.

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto added that energy independence is a strategic issue that must be answered through research and innovation.

"Reducing dependence on fuel imports can be achieved through developing electric vehicles, utilizing solar energy, energy diversification, and developing other clean energy sources," said Brian.

Through Energy Week 2026, BRIN seeks to bring together the needs of the energy sector, research capacity and industrial capabilities. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the journey of technology from the research stage to demonstration, downstreaming and use by society.