Perancangan Pabrik Biochar Berbahan Baku Limbah Tongkol Jagung Menggunakan Metode Torefaksi Termal

Abstract

Population growth has depleted global fossil fuel reserves, necessitating a transition to independent renewable energy sources. This study presents a preliminary plant design for biochar pellet production utilizing continuous torrefaction of corn cobs with a production capacity of 70,000 tons/year in Kediri Regency, East Java. The novelty of this work lies in integrating local agricultural waste valorization and industrial symbiosis by using molasses from local sugar mills as a natural binder, coupled with an engineered torrefaction-pelletizing process that produces high-energy solid biofuel (>5,400 kcal/kg). Economic evaluation reveals a Fixed Capital Investment (FCI) of Rp 546,271,154,440, Working Capital Investment (WCI) of Rp 96,400,791,960, Total Capital Investment (TCI) of Rp 642,671,946,400, Total Production Cost (TPC) of Rp 397,343,173,357, and annual sales of Rp 1,043,740,800,000. Profitability metrics demonstrate feasibility with an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 30.00%, Pay Out Time (POT) of 1.94 years, and Break-Even Point (BEP) of 21.34%. Sensitivity analysis confirms project robustness against raw material price and selling price fluctuations within ± 10-20%. Furthermore, the environmental assessment projects a net CO₂-equivalent mitigation of approximately 114,800 tons/year when substituting sub-bituminous coal.