Pemanfaatan Kulit Kopi dan Ampas Kopi dalam Pembuatan Pelet Biomassa sebagai Bahan Bakar Alternatif Terbarukan

Abstract

Limbah pertanian seperti kulit kopi dan ampas kopi memiliki potensi besar sebagai bahan baku energi alternatif berbasis biomassa. Namun, pemanfaatannya masih terbatas di mana kulit kopi umumnya dijadikan pupuk organik dan ampas kopi dibuang tanpa pengolahan. Penelitian ini bertujuan menentukan komposisi optimal sesuai SNI 8675:2018, menganalisis keekonomian produk, serta merumuskan strategi pengembangan berbasis SWOT. Proses penelitian meliputi persiapan bahan, pembuatan biopelet, dan pengujian mutu berdasarkan parameter kadar air, kadar abu, zat terbang, karbon terikat, dan nilai kalor. Biopelet dibuat dari campuran kulit kopi dan ampas kopi dengan tiga variasi komposisi, yaitu 70%:30%, 50%:50%, dan 30%:70% menggunakan perekat tapioka 5%. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa komposisi 30% kulit kopi dan 70% ampas kopi menghasilkan biopelet terbaik dengan kadar abu 4,51%, zat terbang 63,90%, karbon terikat 17,81%, nilai kalor 17,65 MJ/kg, meskipun kadar air sedikit melebihi standar. Analisis keekonomian produk menunjukkan HPP sebesar Rp3.966,67/kg dan harga jual sebesar Rp5.200,00/kg. Meskipun efisiensi energinya lebih rendah dibanding LPG dan kayu bakar, biopelet ini unggul dalam aspek keberlanjutan, ketersediaan bahan baku lokal, dan mendukung ekonomi sirkular. Analisis SWOT menunjukkan strategi pengembangan melalui optimalisasi bahan baku, peningkatan teknologi pengeringan, kemitraan dengan koperasi/UMKM, serta peningkatan daya saing terhadap bahan bakar fosil.

Agricultural waste such as coffee husks and coffee grounds have great potential as raw materials for biomass-based alternative energy. However, their utilization is still limited, where coffee husks are generally used as organic fertilizer and coffee grounds are discarded without processing. This study aims to determine the optimal composition according to SNI 8675:2018, analyze the product's economics, and formulate a SWOT-based development strategy. The research process includes material preparation, biopellet production, and quality testing based on parameters of water content, ash content, volatile matter, bound carbon, and calorific value. Biopellets were made from a mixture of coffee husks and coffee grounds with three composition variations, namely 70%:30%, 50%:50%, and 30%:70% using 5% tapioca adhesive. The results showed that the composition of 30% coffee husks and 70% coffee grounds produced the best biopellets with an ash content of 4.51%, volatile matter 63.90%, bound carbon 17.81%, and calorific value of 17.65 MJ/kg, although the water content slightly exceeded the standard. The product's economic analysis shows a cost of goods sold (COGS) of Rp3,966.67/kg and a selling price of Rp5,200.00/kg. Although its energy efficiency is lower than that of LPG and firewood, these biopellets excel in sustainability, local raw material availability, and support for a circular economy. A SWOT analysis suggests development strategies through raw material optimization, improved drying technology, partnerships with cooperatives/MSMEs, and increased competitiveness against fossil fuels.