Development of a Python-Based Decision Support System for Evaluating Biomass Price Feasibility in Co-Firing Applications: Evidence from Riau, Indonesia
Abstract
The utilization of biomass as a co-firing fuel in coal-fired power plants is a strategic element in Indonesia’s energy transition. A key challenge lies in accurately assessing the price feasibility of biomass fuel (B3m) and ensuring policy compliance. This study presents a Python-based Decision Support System (DSS) equipped with a graphical user interface (GUI) to compute and evaluate the Highest Benchmark Price (HPT) of B3m adaptively, including a maximum price coefficient (k =1.2). The system was tested using 12 actual proposals from B3m suppliers in Riau Province. Results indicate that 58.3% of offers complied with regulatory thresholds, with wood-based B3m proving generally more competitive than palm-based feedstocks. The system enables automated and transparent price feasibility classification. These findings highlight the potential of localized Python-based computational tools to support economic evaluation of renewable energy deployment.
##Keywords:##
Decision support system, Python, Biomass, Highest benchmark price (HPT), Co-Firing.
Published
Jul 30, 2025
How to Cite
RAMADHAN, Aulia; SUSILAWATI, Anita; NAZARUDDIN, Nazaruddin.
Development of a Python-Based Decision Support System for Evaluating Biomass Price Feasibility in Co-Firing Applications: Evidence from Riau, Indonesia.
Journal of Ocean, Mechanical and Aerospace -science and engineering-, [S.l.], v. 69, n. 2, p. 138-145, july 2025.
ISSN 2527-6085.
Available at: <https://isomase.org/Journals/index.php/jomase/article/view/542>. Date accessed: 13 may 2026.
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.36842/jomase.v69i2.542.
References
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[15] Ramachandra, T.V., Krishna, S. & B.V.,S. (2005). Decision support system to assess regional biomass energy potential. International Journal of Green Energy, 1, 407–428. https://doi.org/10.1081/GE-200038704.
[16] Ninomiya, Y., Zhongyuan, S., Nakamura, H. & Matsumoto, T. (2025, May). Development of the bioenergy supply chain in AZEC partner countries. https://www.eria.org/research/development-of-the-bioenergy-supply-chain-in-azec-partner-countries.
[17] Rahmanta, M.A., Aprilana, A., Ruly, Cahyo, N., Hapsari, T.W.D. & Supriyanto, E. (2024). Techno-economic and environmental impact of biomass co-firing with carbon capture and storage in Indonesian power plants. Sustainability (Switzerland), 16(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083423.
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[20] Alqadi, M., Zaharieva, S., Commichau, A., Disse, M., Koellner, T. & Chiogna, G. (2025). Developing and implementing a decision support system-integrated framework for evaluating solar park effects on water-related ecosystem services. Sustainability (Switzerland), 17(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073121.
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[23] Blanco, I., Guericke, D., Morales, J. M., & Madsen, H. (2020). A two-phase stochastic programming approach to biomass supply planning for combined heat and power plants. OR Spectrum, 42, 863–900. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00291-020-00593-x.
[24] Kaniapan, S., Hassan, S., Ya, H., Nesan, K.P. & Azeem, M. (2021). The utilisation of palm oil and oil palm residues and the related challenges as a sustainable alternative in biofuel, bioenergy, and transportation sector: A review. Sustainability, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063110.
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[27] Triani, M., Tanbar, F., Cahyo, N., Sitanggang, R., Sumiarsa, D. & Utama, G.L. (2022). The potential implementation of biomass co-firing with coal in power plant on emission and economic aspects: A review. EKSAKTA: Journal of Sciences and Data Analysis, 3, 83–94. https://doi.org/10.20885/EKSAKTA.vol3.iss2.art4
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