Examining waste-to-energy technology potential through the pilot project of Bantargebang Waste-to-Energy Power Plant

Abstract

Municipal waste management in Indonesia, particularly Jakarta, poses a significant environmental challenge. Jakarta has been relying on the Bantargebang landfill to address its waste disposal needs for many years. Due to the persistent accumulation of waste, the Bantargebang landfill nears its maximum capacity. In response, a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) power plant was introduced in Bantargebang, serving as a pioneering initiative for WtE technology implementation in Indonesia. The Bantargebang WtE Plant employs incineration technology to convert municipal waste into electricity. Despite its usefulness, there are general environmental concerns about WtE plants, specifically focusing on their emissions and the potential presence of hazardous substances This research assesses the Bantargebang WtE Plant’s performance based on 2022 operational data, specifically examining waste reduction efforts and comparing incineration byproducts, including FABA (Fly Ash, Bottom Ash), and flue gas emissions, against government standards. The study indicates the plant can reduce waste mass by 96.5%. Furthermore, the WtE plant’s byproducts align with government standards for flue gas emissions and FABA residue. These results emphasize the potential of large-scale WtE power plants to achieve sustainable waste management goals in Indonesia. Nonetheless, there are opportunities for maximising waste accumulation reduction performance and enhancing operational value of WtE plant.