South Korean refiner and petrochemical producer GS Caltex has launched a six-month feasibility study into a new technology to reduce methane emissions from palm oil mill effluent (Pome) treatment in Indonesia, the world's largest producer and exporter of palm oil.
The project will evaluate the potential for an evaporative concentration treatment facility, which GS Caltex estimates will cut methane emissions from Pome treatment by 120,000 t/yr of CO2 equivalent, while also recycling the Pome. South Korea's economy and finance ministry and Export-Import Bank will back the project.
Pome is a liquid byproduct of palm oil milling. The oil fraction of this effluent is used as a feedstock in production of biofuels such as sustainable aviation fuel.
Pome is typically stored in open-air anaerobic ponds at the palm oil mill, where the effluent is left to anaerobically digest for several weeks, releasing significant amounts of methane. Some palm oil producers cover the ponds to collect the methane, which can then be used for electricity generation.
GS Caltex's proposed facility would treat the Pome immediately after generation to prevent decomposition and enable greater methane reduction. If implemented, this would be the first such facility in Indonesia. The company will make a decision on financing and logistics after the feasibility study.
This project is part of a government initiative that provides financial support for companies' overseas greenhouse gas reduction projects.