Mapping of energy demand and potential of biofuel development in Kelara watershed

Abstract

The increase in population on earth is increasing, stimulating the need for energy to grow. The Indonesian Government is looking for alternative renewable energies such as Biofuels. Various types of biofuel plants have been developed, such as Nyamplung and Kemiri Sunan. These biofuel crops can also be used for land rehabilitation and reduced carbon emissions in the Kelara watershed, which have been in critical condition. On this basis, a study on the mapping of energy needs and potential for the Development of biofuel plants in the Kelara watershed. This study makes extensive use of the analysis of geographic information systems. The analysis begins with the zoning of the watershed morphology (upstream, middle, and downstream). Watershed morphology zoning in a watershed for energy demand data collection using the energy list recording method. This method represents energy use data, including the type and volume of energy use, the affordability of energy sources, the availability of energy stocks, and people’s purchasing power for energy. Also, spatial analysis of land suitability for Nyamplung and Kemiri Sunan plants as a function of biophysical conditions and critical lands for biofuel energy development. Biophysical conditions include elevation, slope, annual precipitation, dry months, soil pH, and soil texture. Most Kelara watershed people work as farmers, with the most significant number of dependents of 3-5 persons/heads of households around 73.68%. The average energy needs of the community are around 396,437 kcal/day for LPG and firewood. The potential for biofuel development for the Nyamplung type is 10,130 hectares, with an area of 5,477 hectares in critical lands. The potential for the Development of Kemiri Sunan biofuels 17,370 ha with an area of 3,479 ha. The future Development of biofuel energy is a concept of sustainable Development. Economically, biofuel crops serve as sources of income for the community and ecologically improve soil conditions, carbon storage sources, and function hydrology.