PLN Absorbs the Largest PLTSa Electricity in Central Java to Support Green Energy

Garbage Power Plant (PLTSa)
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As a support form of the State Electricity Company (PLN) for green energy, they are ready to absorb electricity generated from the Surakarta Garbage Power Plant (PLTSa) by the end of 2022.

This step taken by PLN is a form of government support for the G20 event in Indonesia, one of which is to increase renewable energy (EBT) to achieve the target of net zero emissions by 2060.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif explained that the construction of the Surakarta Garbage Power Plant (PLTSa) located at the Putri Cempo Final Disposal Site (TPA) is part of the program to operate 12 PLTSa throughout Indonesia.

This operation program is based on Presidential Regulation Number 35 of 2018, concerning the Acceleration of Construction of Waste Processing Installations into Electrical Energy Based on Environmentally Friendly Technology to encourage the use of clean and renewable energy.

In addition to the largest PLTSa in Central Java, PLN is also negotiating with two other PLTSa, namely PLTSa Benowo in Surabaya and PLTSa Sunter in Jakarta. The Benowo PLTSa was in the COD stage in March last year, while the Sunter PLTSa was in the stage of fulfilling the contract prerequisites.

The government continues to encourage PLTSa Surakarta to immediately achieve the planned target so that it can be used as a trademark for 10 other PLTSas.

PLTSa Surakarta has many benefits. Besides being able to produce environmentally-friendly electricity, it can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also reduce pollution due to waste.

Arifin said, “Waste has added value if it can be converted into safe and efficient energy. Waste can be used as a renewable energy source to fulfill the national energy supply as well as support the energy transition and achieve the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Regarding the technical aspects of the power plant, PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo explained that this PLTSa has a power capacity of 5 megawatts (MW) and uses waste fuel that is managed by the community using the plasma gasification method.

Although producing electricity requires burning fuel, the gas produced will not pollute the environment. This is because the gas produced from this process is free from chemicals and other harmful substances.

Darmawan explained that the construction of the Surakarta PLTSa was one of the most urgent and became the focus of attention in the short term. Because this project is a step in achieving net-zero emissions in 2060.

He also explained the progress of construction, the construction of this project took up a budget of Rp. 330 billion and had reached 67.84 percent. It is targeted that the power plant located at the Putri Cempo TPA Surakarta will be able to fully operate in December 2022.

Price Deal

Regarding the calculation of the agreed price, PLN and the developer of the Putri Cempo PLTSa, namely PT Solo Citra Metro Plasma Power, had previously agreed on the sale and purchase price of electricity of 13.35 US cents per kWh or equivalent to Rp. 1,800 per kWh. PLN is ready to absorb electricity to be distributed to the wider community.

In addition, the Mayor of Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka explained that the Surakarta City Government can process 545 tons of waste per day to be distributed to this PLTSa. By using an incinerator, the heat energy generated from the waste combustion process can drive a generator which then produces electricity.