Evaluating the Viability of Co-Firing Biomass Waste to Mitigate Coal Plant Emissions in Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Reducing emissions in Indonesia’s energy sector requires mitigating coal plant emissions while avoiding land use change emissions. Given Indonesia’s abundant biomass resources, co-firing biomass presents an opportunity to reduce carbon emissions using agricultural residues, forestry waste, and municipal waste. We investigate whether available biomass waste is sufficient to meet feedstock requirements for co-firing at a range of ratios, whether demand can be met throughout the year and across the archipelago, and resulting emissions reductions. We conducted a feasibility study for each captive and non-captive coal plant in Indonesia, evaluating suitable biomass waste feedstocks including wood (both forest residues and industrial by-products), rubber, sugarcane, oil palm (kernel shell and empty fruit bunches), rice husk and straw, and municipal solid waste. Our results indicate that incorporating biomass waste into coal plants can reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the country's renewable energy targets without additional deforestation. However, while existing biomass waste is sufficient to meet co-firing demand at low ratios, competition with alternative uses and limited biomass supply in eastern provinces, where coal capacity is growing, preclude meeting demand at higher ratios. Our study provides insights into seasonal and spatial waste availability across Indonesia, and potential land use impacts and emissions reductions.