Energi Baru dari Limbah Tahu

Summary

This script highlights the innovative efforts of Neni Sinta Wardani in turning the waste from tofu production in Sumedang into a sustainable energy source. Tofu factories in the region generate significant wastewater that causes pollution and environmental damage. Neni's groundbreaking research led to the development of a biogas processing system that converts tofu waste into usable methane gas. This project not only mitigates pollution but provides affordable energy for local households, reducing reliance on LPG. The initiative demonstrates the potential of waste-to-energy solutions in promoting environmental sustainability and energy resilience for local communities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The production of tofu generates large amounts of wastewater, which can be harmful to the environment due to its high nutritional content that decomposes easily and leads to unpleasant odors.
• 😀 The Sumedang region, famous for its tofu, has a long history of tofu production, dating back to the early 1900s when Chinese immigrants introduced it, helping the industry grow and spread among local communities.
• 😀 In Giriarja, a village in Sumedang, tofu factories release wastewater that causes pollution and foul smells, affecting local water sources and agricultural irrigation.
• 😀 Neni Sinta Wardani, a researcher from the National Research and Innovation Agency, proposed a solution to treat tofu wastewater by converting it into biogas, which can be used as an alternative energy source.
• 😀 Biogas production is achieved by using anaerobic bacteria to break down harmful substances in tofu wastewater, and the methane produced can be used for cooking and other household energy needs.
• 😀 The biogas treatment system in Giriarja has a capacity of 76 cubic meters of wastewater, which could potentially supply biogas to 90 households, though current production levels only support around 54 households due to fluctuating tofu production.
• 😀 The initial resistance from local communities towards the new biogas technology was overcome through continuous outreach and education about the benefits of the project, including reduced environmental pollution and a more sustainable energy source.
• 😀 Biogas users in Giriarja pay a low monthly fee of IDR 20,000, significantly cheaper than using LPG, with the added benefit of reducing the pollution caused by tofu wastewater.
• 😀 Despite the success of the project, the biogas system faces operational challenges, including the deterioration of infrastructure, lack of sufficient funding for repairs, and limited operational hours due to fluctuating waste supply.
• 😀 The potential for biogas from tofu wastewater as a renewable energy source is significant, with the potential to contribute to Indonesia's target of 23% renewable energy use by 2025, as well as improve local energy independence.

Q & A

What environmental problem is caused by tofu production in Sumedang?

Tofu production in Sumedang generates large amounts of wastewater and leftover soybean pulp, which are often disposed of in local rivers. This leads to pollution, unpleasant odors, and the contamination of agricultural irrigation sources, affecting the local environment and communities.

What is the main solution proposed by Neni Sinta Wardani to address tofu waste?

Neni Sinta Wardani proposes the use of biogas technology to process tofu waste. The system uses anaerobic bacteria to break down harmful substances in the wastewater, transforming it into methane gas, which can be used as a renewable energy source for cooking.

How does the biogas system in Giriharja benefit the local community?

The biogas system in Giriharja provides local families with an affordable and sustainable energy source for cooking. For a small fee, residents can use biogas instead of expensive LPG, reducing household energy costs while improving the local environment by eliminating the foul odor caused by tofu waste.

What were some of the initial challenges in implementing the biogas project?

Initially, the local community was skeptical about the project. Neni Sinta Wardani and her team had to gain the trust of the residents and secure funding. Furthermore, there was a lack of technical knowledge about biogas, and the project required significant investment in infrastructure, which raised concerns among villagers.

What technical process is involved in converting tofu waste into biogas?

The tofu waste undergoes a process called anaerobic digestion, where anaerobic bacteria break down the organic materials in the wastewater. This process takes place in multiple stages across several reactors, producing methane gas (biogas) as a byproduct, which can then be used for energy.

What are the environmental benefits of the biogas system in Giriharja?

The biogas system helps prevent pollution by safely treating tofu waste and eliminating the harmful odors that were previously a significant issue. It also prevents water contamination in local rivers and reduces the environmental impact of tofu production.

How much do the villagers pay for the biogas service, and how does it compare to LPG costs?

Villagers pay a monthly fee of 20,000 IDR for the biogas service. This is significantly cheaper than purchasing LPG, where a 3 kg gas cylinder costs around 25,000 IDR. As a result, families save money on their energy bills by switching to biogas.

What are the current operational challenges faced by the biogas system in Giriharja?

The biogas system is facing maintenance issues, with deteriorating infrastructure such as broken pipes and damaged roofing. The community's contributions are insufficient to cover repair and operational costs, and there is a lack of support from local and provincial governments, which hampers the long-term sustainability of the system.

What role does Neni Sinta Wardani see for biogas in Indonesia's energy future?

Neni Sinta Wardani believes that biogas, derived from agricultural and industrial waste, holds significant potential as a renewable energy source in Indonesia. It can help reduce dependence on subsidized fossil fuels and contribute to the country’s target of achieving 23% renewable energy by 2025.

What recognition has Neni Sinta Wardani received for her work in biogas and waste management?

Neni Sinta Wardani has received several prestigious awards for her work in waste management and biogas technology, including the Science Prize for Women in 2021 from ASEAN, the Asia Innovation Award in 2020 from Hitachi Global Foundation, and the PYc Energy Award in 2019.