State-owned electricity provider PT PLN managed to process 2.1 tons of organic waste disposed at Bantar Gebang Integrated Waste Management Facility (TPST) into fuel for steam-fired power plants (PLTUs) within two weeks.
The attempt was a part of the pilot implementation of the on-site waste processing technology (TOSS), general manager of PT PLN’s Greater Jakarta Main Distribution Unit (UID), Doddy B. Pangaribuan, said in a statement released on Thursday.
“The 2.1 tons of organic waste could be processed into 461 kilograms (kg) of fermented biomass fuel pellets (alternative fuel) for PLTUs,” he informed.
The waste was processed at three pilot locations—PT PLN’s main office, Marunda Regional Customer Service Implementation Unit (UP3), and Bulungan Regional UP3.
According to Pangaribuan, if the TOSS program is fully carried out at the 17 implementing units within PT PLN’s Greater Jakarta UID, the program could potentially reduce 150 tons of organic waste every year.
“We hope that this small step can encourage all of us to contribute to succeeding the 2060 net-zero emissions target,” he remarked.
PLN is also using electric vehicles as eco-friendly operational transports for bringing waste from the implementing units to the TOSS center.
“TOSS is an alternative method to manage waste by converting organic waste and biomass residue into energy with a three-step process,” he informed.
First, the organic waste and biomass residue is dried using bamboo boxes and bio-activator liquid. Within three to five days, the waste shrinks by 50 percent and is ready for the next process.
The waste is then chopped up into smaller shapes measuring 10 millimeters in size.
Finally, the waste is turned into biomass pellets as they are easier to transport and use.
TOSS is being implemented in collaboration with the Clean Ciliwung Movement (GCB) and an energy-processing startup PT Comestoarra Bentarra Noesantarra.
The Clean Ciliwung Movement is an organization that processes waste into new and renewable energy (EBT) that can be used by PLTUs.
“The waste processing technology is very helpful for reducing waste, especially (the waste) in the Ciliwung River,” chairperson of the Clean Ciliwung Movement, Peni Susanti, said.
Source: Antara News