UNS—The Advanced Material Research Group of the Physics Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, has launched a community service project titled “Biogas Alternative Energy Development from Organic Waste in Wonorejo Village, Polokarto, Sukoharjo.”

This initiative has provided a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge, experiences, and insights on organic waste processing. The project was highlighted by a handover ceremony of a biogas installation to the local community on Monday (21/10/2024) in Wonorejo Village, Polokarto Subdistrict, Sukoharjo Regency.

Present at the event were Wonorejo Village Head, Yusuf Aziz Rahma, and other village officials. FMIPA UNS was represented by Dr. Eng. Risa Suryana, M.Si., Dr. Eng. Kusumandari, M.Si., Prof. Dr. Eng. Hendri Widiyandari, M.Si., Khairuddin, S.Si., M.Phil., Ph.D., and Biogas Technician M. Sahid Praptomo, S.Si.

The service project began several months ago with site visits and location surveys for biogas installation. The team met with Village Head Yusuf Aziz Rahma and village officials to discuss biogas and determine a suitable location for the biogas reactor installation. The chosen site required ample space to ensure a steady supply of organic waste beyond household trash.

The project was met with great enthusiasm by village officials and residents. The installed biodigester utilizes anaerobic bacteria to break down organic waste in the absence of oxygen, reducing solids, generating biogas energy, minimizing waste odor, and producing nutrient-rich solid residue for fertilizer.

The biodigester’s operation begins by filling it with cow manure and water in a 1:1 ratio. Subsequently, the reactor can be filled with organic waste such as vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and kitchen waste. Biogas Technician, M. Sahid Praptomo, explained that biogas formation typically begins within 4–5 days after reactor filling, with peak production occurring between 20–25 days.

“The biogas formation process consists of multiple stages, breaking down organic material into smaller units, each stage requiring specific microorganisms to further decompose products from the previous stage,” Praptomo explained.

Test results showed that the biogas produced a stable blue flame, indicating high-quality gas, capable of boiling 1,5 liters of water in approximately 10 minutes. This functional test confirms that the biogas production from organic waste was successful and is beneficial for the community.

The biogas initiative supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by promoting renewable energy. It also contributes to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by reducing urban waste and to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging efficient waste management. Finally, it aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action) by lowering greenhouse gas emissions through organic waste-to-biogas conversion.

HUMAS UNS