Photo: One of the e-trucks used at Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group’s plantation at Boven Digoel, South Papua
PAPUA – Moving from conventional to electric vehicles (EVs) is one key way to lessen the effects of climate change. Compared to their fossil-fueled counterparts, EVs are more environmentally safe, with no carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and combustion-made particle emissions.
More sectors are now adopting this technology, and palm oil is no exception. Using battery-powered cars and trucks to handle transport matters in plantation blocks will be a groundbreaking move that helps slash environmental impacts and promote industry sustainability. On a larger scale, this idea may be an effective maneuver to help the sector achieve big net-zero ambitions.
“We’re still in the very first stages of transitioning from conventional to electric, [so] we hope this technology evolves with time and helps us realize our goal to swap most of our heavy duty fleet, especially [diesel] trucks, for EVs,” said Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group director Luwy Leunufna.
This solution will be responsible for all TSE Group’s farm activities that involve transport, including the carrying of fresh fruit bunches and farm workers.
Internal greenhouse gas inventory figures reveal that two liters of diesel consumption are equal to approximately 4,000 tons of CO2e. In other words, by shifting to EVs, TSE Group can cut down emissions by this amount annually.
Its factories and offices have been implementing emissions reduction measures since 2023, when the oil palm plantation operator made a commitment to using the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as benchmark for its net-zero goals. Using this tool, TSE Group vowed to set emissions targets with the needed actions to limit global warming to below 1.5°C.
“We need strong policies and a strong commitment. [What I mean by] this commitment is something we communicate [and share] with our stakeholders, so not only the one we keep to ourselves. It’s so everyone can see whether we’re really dedicated and consistent with our work. Our NDPE declaration is now available on our [TSE Group] website, and we’ve codified that in policies, standards, and actions at the operational level to support our NZE efforts before their deadline in 2050,” Leunufna said.
This pledge also allows the firm to follow state emissions rules and contribute to Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution targets. The country is committed to lowering greenhouse gas output by 29% under the business-as-usual scenario and 41% with international help by 2030. (*)
