Analysis of co-firing palm oil waste for the economic and emission performance of PLTU in Riau

Aulia Ramadhan; Anita Susilawati; Asral; Dodi Sofyan Arief; Dinni Agustina

doi:10.71452/rkcrwn20

Authors

Aulia Ramadhan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Riau, Indonesia Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8844-2783
Anita Susilawati, ST., M.Sc., Ph.D Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Riau, Indonesia Author
Asral, S.T.,M.Eng.,Ph.D. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Riau, Indonesia Author
Dr. Dodi Sofyan Arief, S.T., M.T. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Riau, Indonesia Author
Dr. Dinni Agustina, S.T, M.T. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Riau, Indonesia Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71452/rkcrwn20

Keywords:

co-firing, biomass, sustainable energy transition, palm kernel shell, empty fruit bunch

Abstract

This study evaluates the co-firing of palm oil industry waste biomass, specifically Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) and Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) pellets, in coal-fired power plants (PLTU) in Riau, Indonesia, to support a sustainable energy transition. Empirical tests were conducted at PLTU Tenayan and Tembilahan, using biomass substitution rates of 5% and 50%, respectively. Key performance indicators, including Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC), Net Plant Heat Rate (NPHR), production cost, and exhaust emissions (SO₂ and NOₓ), were analyzed. Results show that 5% PKS co-firing at PLTU Tenayan reduced SFC from 0.871 to 0.856 kg/kWh and NPHR from 4,187 to 4,116 kCal/kWh, while 50% PKS co-firing at PLTU Tembilahan decreased SFC from 1.171 to 0.785 kg/kWh and NPHR from 5,312 to 3,625 kCal/kWh. Economically, PKS co-firing resulted in cost savings of up to Rp223.58/kWh. Emission measurements revealed SO₂ reductions up to 27.8% at PLTU Tenayan and 34% at PLTU Tembilahan (EFB scenario), with NOₓ emissions remaining stable or decreasing by up to 13%. Conversely, EFB pellet co-firing increased fuel consumption and production costs due to higher fuel prices and operational challenges. The study confirms that PKS co-firing is a viable and effective approach to enhance power plant efficiency, reduce emissions, and lower costs in palm oil-producing regions. Limitations include short test durations and limited plant sites; therefore, long-term monitoring is recommended to assess boiler integrity, operational stability, and emission performance for sustainable large-scale implementation. This research provides critical technical, economic, and environmental insights for advancing biomass co-firing in commercial coal power plants.

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