Steam boiler sustainable fuel supply chain: the case of solid biomass in the Indonesian industrial sector

Abstract

This paper explores the potential utilization of solid biomass as fuel for steam boilers in the industrial sector, contributing to the achievement of sustainable and low-carbon industries in the future. Solid biomass is derived from natural resources such as rice husk, bagasse, palm waste (shells, empty fruit bunches, palm stems), forest/agricultural waste, and industrial waste, which can be processed into fuel forms like pellets, briquettes or charcoal. This dense biomass serves as an alternative fuel to replace coal, particularly for industrial steam boilers. This research aims to identify the challenges faced by the biomass boiler fuel supply chain for the textile industry in West Java. Ensuring a consistent and reliable biomass fuel supply poses a significant challenge for the textile industry in this region. This study assesses the root causes of the current challenges and proposes solutions related to sourcing biomass as a raw material for low-carbon steam boilers to support industrial sustainability. The research methodology encompasses desk research, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and data processing and analysis. The results reveal various strategies that can be explored to address these challenges, including diversification of biomass sources, development of supply chain infrastructure, and improvement of biomass quality.