The government, through the Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency, continues to intensify the development of Waste-to-Energy Power Plant (PSEL) projects as a strategic step in national waste management. Through an agglomeration approach, the government is accelerating the implementation of PSEL across various regions to ensure adequate supply and facility sustainability. However, the implementation of this technology in Indonesia faces a major challenge, namely the characteristics of domestic waste, which are dominated by wet organic waste.
Professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Professor Wiratni, explained that combustion or incineration technology commonly used in PSEL is highly dependent on the dryness level of waste.
According to Professor Wiratni, the high moisture content of domestic waste can hinder heat optimization. This directly impacts the reduction in the volume of electricity generated per ton of waste.
“PSEL technology will function optimally under conditions of low-moisture waste. The presence of water reduces the efficiency of heat utilization, thereby decreasing the amount of electrical energy generated per ton of waste,” she explained on Monday (Apr. 27).
Professor Wiratni emphasized that if moisture content conditions are not strictly addressed in the sorting process, PSEL facilities are forced to modify their workflows to reduce moisture levels, either mechanically or thermally. According to her, this not only complicates the technical scheme but also significantly affects project financing.
“If the waste entering PSEL remains unsorted and is dominated by organic waste, drying is required beforehand. This will certainly increase investment costs for equipment, operational costs, and overall energy requirements,” she stressed.
Regarding concerns that PSEL facilities may face fuel shortages if the public becomes more active in reducing waste, Professor Wiratni provided clarification. She noted that the current need for large volumes of waste is likely calculated based on unsorted waste.
“Because waste still contains relatively high moisture, a large amount is required to produce each kWh of electricity. In fact, if waste is properly sorted and therefore dry, less waste is needed to generate 1 kWh due to better heat efficiency,” she explained.
Further elaborating on optimizing PSEL performance, the academic specializing in bioprocess engineering suggested utilizing existing community-based waste management units as the frontline for sorting. According to her, optimizing units such as the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Waste Processing Sites (TPS3R), a program initiated by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) since 2012, is one of the supporting steps for the success of PSEL projects.
“Organic waste at TPS3R can be processed into compost or maggots that have market value and are relatively easy to manage on a small scale. The inorganic components can be sent to PSEL as fuel with high calorific value,” she explained.
Professor Wiratni also reminded that technological solutions will not have a lasting impact without behavioral changes in society.
“If we only build PSEL without fostering a sense of belonging, any technology will not last long. Ideally, alongside PSEL development, social mapping should also be conducted in the service areas to optimize active community involvement through TPS3R, waste banks, and other initiatives that support PSEL operations,” she concluded.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zahra
Photo: Freepik