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PLN's cofiring program employs various types of raw materials such as sawdust, palm shells, wood chips, garbage, and banknote waste. (Photo: iStock)
PLN Indonesia Power reduced 555 thousand tons of CO2 emissions last year by substituting coal with biomass cofiring in coal-powered power plants (PLTU).
Edwin Nugraha Putra, President Director of PLN IP, said in a statement in Jakarta on Mar. 7, that the CO2 reduction resulted from cofiring in 18 PLTUs, using 478,741 tons of biomass and generating 509.54 GWh of green energy.
He mentioned the company’s commitment to assisting the government in implementing the energy transition, noting, "Throughout 2023, PLN Indonesia Power successfully lowered carbon emissions by increasing biomass as a substitute for coal."
The plants that have implemented cofiring until 2023 include PLTU Suralaya 1-4, Sanggau, Jeranjang, Suralaya 5-7, Lontar and Labuan.
He also revealed that cofiring serves as a tangible demonstration of the corporation's support for PLN in spearheading the energy transition in Indonesia and promoting the achievement of the national energy mix target of 23% from new and renewable sources by 2025.
Edwin said that the cofiring program, which employs various types of raw materials such as sawdust, palm shells, wood chips, garbage, and banknote waste, results in multiple economic impacts through the utilization of these resources. As the community can supply biomass feedstock, it has the potential to generate new jobs and increase income.
"In maintaining the biomass supply, we also work with the government and local communities, thus helping to achieve a clean, energy-independent Indonesia, and enhance national capacity with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles," he said.
According to Edwin, the cofiring scheme is just the beginning for PLN Indonesia Power in implementing the energy transition, "We are preparing various EBT development programs in the electricity sector to realize the energy transition following the target.”
