Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of palm oil mill effluent (POME) management in Indonesian oil palm plantations: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Indonesia, as the world's leading producer of palm oil, faces significant environmental challenges due to the improper management of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), a byproduct of palm oil production. POME is characterized by high organic content, making it a potent contributor to water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. This study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to explore the potential of POME-derived biogas as a fuel source for micro gas turbines (MGTs). In addition, this study also addresses the management of POME waste to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Effective POME waste management not only minimizes environmental pollution but also maximizes biogas production for energy recovery. By analyzing 20 selected articles published between 2020 and 2024, this research evaluates the environmental, technological, and economic impacts of current POME management practices. The findings reveal that while conventional methods like anaerobic ponds are cost-effective, they have limited efficiency in mitigating methane emissions. In contrast, advanced anaerobic digesters and biogas technologies present promising solutions for sustainable POME management, capable of reducing methane emissions by up to 80% while generating renewable energy. However, challenges remain in optimizing biogas quality to meet MGTs' fuel standards and improving infrastructure for effective implementation. This study underscores the need for integrated management strategies that consider environmental, economic, and social dimensions to maximize the potential of POME as a renewable energy source in Indonesia's palm oil industry.