Biomass-based energy potential in Semujur Island, a small remote area in Indonesia

Abstract

Electricity has not been spread equally in Indonesia, especially in remote areas. Forest biomass could potentially be utilized as bioenergy and fuel for an electricity generator, particularly in remote areas with no electricity access. The objectives of this research were to identify vegetation species composition and estimate tree biomass’s potential as fuel for power plants in Semujur Island, Bangka Belitung Province, Indonesia. The method used was vegetation analysis throughout the study area. The result showed that Terminalia catappa dominated vegetation species at the seedling, sapling, and pole levels. At tree level was dominated by Ficus caulocarpa with an importance value index (IVI) of 166.81%, while non-tree species was dominated by Cocos nucifera (IVI of 200%) as palm species. Liana and understory that dominated the study site in order were Imperata cylindrica (IVI 52.50%) and Mikania sp. (IVI 143.59%). The total biomass on this island was 2,298.94 tons/ha, which could potentially generate electrical energy amounted to 3,371.78 MWh. This amount of energy can fulfill the electrical needs of the local community for 237 years to the future without any replanting activity. The recommended crops that can be planted on this island are vetiver and sesame to reserve biomass and prevent abrasion.