UGM Researcher Turns Geothermal Waste Into Nano Fertilizer

January 27, 2026 | 11:09 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's geothermal energy potential does not only serve as a source of electricity. A researcher at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has discovered that silica deposits from geothermal fluids can be transformed into high-value nanosilica, capable of increasing plant productivity by up to 50 percent.

This innovation was developed by Professor Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, a faculty member at UGM's Faculty of Engineering. He processed geothermal silica, a byproduct of geothermal power plants, into nano-materials that function as both plant strengtheners and fertilizers.

"Geothermal silica has long been considered waste. We, on the other hand, view it as a strategic resource for sustainable agriculture," said Himawan on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Through gradual material engineering and process control, geothermal silica is processed into stable and consistent nanosilica. The process is designed to be easily replicated and has the potential for industrial-scale enhancement. According to Himawan, this approach paves the way for downstream processing and broad utilization beyond the confines of the laboratory.

In the agriculture sector, nanosilica reinforces plant cell walls, improves stem rigidity, and enhances nutrient transportation. Its minute size allows for easy absorption by plants.

The required dosage is low, approximately 1-2 kilograms per hectare, significantly below macro-fertilizers like NPK. Field trials have shown a productivity increase of 30-50 percent across various commodities, from rice and corn to avocado, papaya, and grapes.

This improvement is achieved through an integrated formulation that combines nanosilica with humic substances and boron to comprehensively improve soil health. "We aim not only for increased yields but also for a healthy soil and plant ecosystem," Himawan stated.

This nanosilica innovation also ventures into the technology and energy sectors. In the electronics field, the material is combined with hydrogel for data center cooling systems and batteries. This combination enhances the water absorption capacity of the hydrogel by up to fivefold, resulting in more efficient cooling performance.

Further research is directed towards developing water vapor absorbent materials, biosensors, and biomaterials supporting green technology. Although its potential is significant, the main challenge for this research lies in downstream processing. Himawan believes that expanding derivative product development is essential to ensure that the circular economy concept does not stall. "We want this innovation to truly enter the industrial value chain and provide tangible benefits," he said.

The geothermal nanosilica research has been conducted since 2013 through multidisciplinary collaborations with several foreign universities, including NTU Singapore, Swinburne University, Kyushu University, and the University of the Philippines. This international network strengthens the research readiness for broader implementation.

"Our goal is simple; research should not end in journals or patents but should emerge as a solution directly felt by society," he said. As a result of this research, Himawan was awarded the Best Innovation at The Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Awards 2025.

Read: Indonesia Eyes Rp10 Trillion in International Funding for Geothermal Projects by PGE

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