Environmentally Friendly Power Generation Technology at CFPP Babelan

Public News|November 13, 2023

November 13, 2023 - PT Cikarang Listrindo Tbk (IDX: POWR), the longest-standing Public Power Utility (PPU) in Indonesia since its operation in 1993, has brought experience and highest operational standards to the forefront during the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the 280 MW CFPP Babelan in the past year 2017. Nearly 40% of the operational area of CFPP Babelan is green space, and it has been operating in conformation with the PROPER BIRU standard from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) and is progressing to conform with the PROPER HIJAU standard. CFPP Babelan utilizes the latest environmentally friendly steam generation technology, namely Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) technology. CFB can utilize various solid fuels, such as coal and biomass, with diverse qualities and a combustion temperature range of 850-900°C. CFB technology provides lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission levels due to the lower furnace temperature.

The boilers with CFB technology are supplied by Valmet Oy, a Finnish company that has been developing CFB boilers for over 30 years and is recognized as a leading supplier in this technology. CFB technology has been widely used in Western countries and advanced nations such as Australia, France, Finland, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Specifically, Denmark, Finland, and Estonia are countries that use bioenergy for more than 15% of their electricity production. CFB technology can be designed and operated with 100% biomass.

The implementation of CFB technology in CFPP Babelan enables the use of solid renewable fuels such as palm kernel shells and wood residues as substitutes for coal. In the carbon reduction design roadmap, the Company will gradually increase the use of biofuels up to 20% of the CFB boiler capacity. In 2021, the Company successfully completed the construction of the biofuels handling system in the first CFB unit of CFPP Babelan in preparation for achieving the target. This became a pilot project using palm kernel shells first and then woodchips as an initial step in adopting biofuels as a renewable energy alternative to fossil fuels. Other biofuel options will also be considered as alternatives in the future. In 2025, the Company will build and operate biofuels handling system for the second CFB unit of CFPP Babelan. This second step will allow up to 25% of the Company's total coal consumption to be replaced by biofuels, aligning with the Company's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, supporting the government's commitments in the energy sector.

The Company is gradually increasing the use of environmentally friendly biofuel combustion. The cummulative energy production from biomass combustion from 2020 to September 2023 has reached 124,563 MWh. With this contribution, the Company has successfully reduced emissions by approximately 136.4 kTon CO2 over nearly 4 years, equivalent to the absorption capacity of over 1.4 million mature trees.


In addition, the units of CFPP Babelan are equipped with Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) that collect particulates generated from the combustion of solid fuels, reducing particle emissions into the air. Control of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions is done by selecting fuels with low sulfur content and adding limestone to the boiler to reduce the formation of SO2 and SO3. The air emissions of CFPP Babelan are monitored in real-time using a Continuous Environment Monitoring System (CEMS) installed at each chimney of CFPP. This CEMS is integrated with the Continuous Industrial Emission Monitoring Information System (SISPEK) and can be accessed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) at any time. This demonstrates the Company's commitment to transparency and professionalism in managing power plant emissions. Emission reports are presented to the public through the Company's Sustainability Report and certified by international independent parties. The SO2, NOx, and particulate emissions from CFPP Babelan in the first half of 2023 are <163 mg/Nm3, <181 mg/Nm3, <32 mg/Nm3, respectively, well below the environmental limits set by KLHK.

 

CFPP Babelan also uses Air Condensing Cooler (ACC) technology for the cooling process. This technology does not require water for the cooling process, unlike conventional power plants. The cooling process is by surrounding air flowing through steam coils, thus avoiding adverse impacts on biodiversity or areas experiencing water scarcity or causing drought in the surrounding plant area.


In 2023, CFPP Babelan took a sustainable initiative by building a Nursery House to meet the needs of plants greening, both inside and outside the power plant area. More than 3,000 trees, including 5 rare South-Indian Vatica trees (Vatica Chinensis) have been planted, and an additional 1,000 acacia trees were added in 2023. Outside the power plant location, the company has been planting 5,000 mangrove trees in the Village of Pantai Bahagia, Northeast of Babelan, since 2019, and this initiative continues this year.

Throughout its three decades of experience since 1993, the Company has learned the best lessons in running an electricity company that not only prioritizes Profit but also People and the Planet. The Company's greatest contribution is made with the highest commitment to adding value to stakeholders, including the local community and the environment. With the slogan "Light that Brings Goodness," the Company encourages its employees, both individually and organizationally, to have a positive impact for the surroundings, representing the spirit of the Company's founders 30 years ago.

Source: Kontan (English version translated by the Company)