Journal of Innovation Materials, Energy, and Sustainable Engineering
Vol. 4 No. 1: (July) 2026

Greenhouse gas emission mitigation for the sustainable palm oil industry

Bimo Yudo Kristanto (Department of Environmental Science, Graduate School of Sustainable Development, Universitas Indonesia, Central Jakarta, Special Capital of Jakarta 10430)
Ahyahudin Sodri (Department of Environmental Science, Graduate School of Sustainable Development, Universitas Indonesia, Central Jakarta, Special Capital of Jakarta 10430)
Evi Frimawaty (Department of Environmental Science, Graduate School of Sustainable Development, Universitas Indonesia, Central Jakarta, Special Capital of Jakarta 10430)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jul 2026

Abstract

Background: The palm oil industry faces increasing pressure to address its environmental impacts, particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from operational activities. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of GHG emissions from palm oil operations using ISO 14064-1 standards at PT. X in Muaro Jambi, Indonesia. The research is particularly relevant given Indonesia's ENDC target of 31.89% unconditional emission reduction by 2030, to which the palm oil sector can contribute through methane capture and energy efficiency measures. Methods: The research employed a case study design with complete enumeration of emission sources, combining primary field measurements and secondary data. Emission calculations followed ISO 14064-1 integrated with IPCC 2006 guidelines, covering Scope 1, 2, and 3. Primary data included fertilizer usage (278.99 tons N/year), POME volume (113,667 m³/year), COD measurements (25,653.59 mg/L inlet), and fuel consumption (476,661 liters/year). MAC analysis was conducted using a 9.1% discount rate, with uncertainty qualitatively assessed. Findings: Total gross emissions reached 23,616 tCO₂e annually, dominated by Scope 1 (89.8%). POME fugitive emissions constitute the largest source (72.6%), followed by fertilizer (10.1%) and mobile combustion (6.9%). The POME system achieved 96.58% COD removal but generated 17,138.75 tCO₂e from methane. LULUCF sequestration (-48,866.69 tCO₂e) resulted in net emissions of -25,250.74 tCO₂e. MACC analysis identified three economically beneficial options with negative MAC: route optimization with biofuel (-125,210 Rp/tCO₂e), methane capture (-82,398 Rp/tCO₂e), and solar PV installation (-61,986 Rp/tCO₂e). These three options collectively achieve 88.9% of total abatement potential. Conclusion: This study provides the first ISO 14064-1 compliant GHG inventory for an Indonesian palm oil mill. However, the single-case design limits generalizability to other mills with different operational characteristics. Future research should include multi-site studies and quantitative uncertainty assessment. Findings support targeted emission reduction strategies and sector-specific policy development for climate mitigation.Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study integrates ISO 14064-1 GHG inventory with MACC analysis to identify cost-effective emission reduction strategies that support sustainable energy transition in the palm oil industry.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JIMESE

Publisher

Subject

Aerospace Engineering Automotive Engineering Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Engineering

Description

Journal of Innovation Materials, Energy, and Sustainable Engineering (JIMESE) encourages deeper discussion about sustainability, especially on energy engineering. JIMESE publishes research and review papers about energy sustainability. This journal primary aims to develop and implement technologies ...