PALMOILMAGAZINE, PROBOLINGGO — The rumble of turbines at the Paiton Coal-Fired Power Plant (PLTU) echoed through the East Java morning as members of Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR), led by Deputy Chairman of Commission XII, Sugeng Suparwoto, arrived on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Standing before a row of massive turbines, Sugeng voiced strong support for co-firing technology—a promising strategy to cut emissions and tackle the country’s growing waste problem.
“Co-firing is a strategic step forward. It not only reduces emissions from fossil fuels but also provides a solution to the mounting waste crisis,” Sugeng stated, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com quoting Parlementaria on Tuesday (April 15).
Co-firing involves burning two types of fuel simultaneously in the same boiler. At coal-fired plants, coal is blended with biomass—such as wood pellets, palm kernel shells, sawdust, and even processed waste. The goal is straightforward: reduce coal consumption and improve air quality.
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Sugeng highlighted the dual benefits of using waste as biomass. “We’re cutting methane and carbon dioxide emissions from waste while converting it into energy. It’s a win-win solution,” he explained.
While waste-based fuels generally have lower calorific value than coal, Sugeng believes this is no major obstacle. Today’s advanced technologies, he noted, can efficiently address this challenge.
Indonesia has already set a national co-firing target. Commission XII of the DPR is pushing for a 5% implementation rate. “Imagine if just 5% of the 200 million tons of coal burned annually could be replaced. That would mean a reduction of around 10 million tons in emissions,” he said.
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Given the high carbon dioxide and sulfur emissions from coal, cutting back even a portion could significantly benefit the environment. Sugeng also emphasized the importance of using advanced technologies at power plants, such as supercritical and ultra-supercritical systems, to further reduce carbon footprints.
“We must ensure every coal plant adopts environmentally friendly technology. In the future, we’re also aiming to implement carbon capture and storage,” he added.
Sugeng acknowledged that the transition to renewable energy will take time. Meanwhile, coal plants remain essential—but must operate with higher efficiency and lower emissions.
“We can’t eliminate coal overnight. But we can reduce its impact. One way is by prioritizing mine-mouth power plants, which are more efficient,” he concluded.
With that spirit, concrete measures like co-firing are seen as vital—not just for ensuring stable energy supply, but also for protecting the air we breathe and the planet we share. (P2)
