PLTSa Surakarta, Long Term Waste Management Solution

The Surakarta Waste Power Plant began full operation in Surakarta City, Central Java, Monday (30/10/2023). The presence of this technology is a long-term waste management solution for the region.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in PLTSa Surakarta, Solusi Jangka Panjang Pengelolaan Sampah

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

The atmosphere during the first operationalization of the Surakarta Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Surakarta City, Central Java, on Monday (30/10/2023) was a long-term solution to the waste problem in the area.

SURAKARTA, KOMPAS - The Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Surakarta has been fully operational since Monday (10/30/2023). The technology is a long-term solution for waste management in the region and several neighboring districts. Cooperation with surrounding areas in waste management will be explored further given the significant amount of waste needed.

The development of the power generation technology was started in 2016. Its operation is carried out through a collaboration scheme between PT Solo Citra Metro Plasma and PT Pembangunan dan Perumahan (PP). The waste used as a source of electrical energy comes from the heaps of garbage found in the Putri Cempo Final Disposal Site (TPA) in Surakarta City, Central Java.

"Clearly, this (waste management) solution is not only for Surakarta City, but for the surrounding regencies as well. Even Yogyakarta can also join us in accommodating their waste," said Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka after the inauguration of the Surakarta Waste-to-Energy Plant (PLTSa) in Surakarta City, Central Java, on Monday (30/10/2023)."

Also read: Trash Power Plant in Solo Ready to Be Built

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka (third from the right) is listening to an explanation about the operationalization of Surakarta Waste-to-Energy Power Plant in Surakarta City, Central Java, on Monday (30/10/2023). The facility's existence provides a long-term solution to the waste problem in the area.

Therefore, Gibran is also building a commitment together with the local government from the former Karesidenan Surakarta region, such as Sukoharjo, Boyolali, Klaten, Wonogiri, Karanganyar, and Sragen. Representatives from the local government also signed a memorandum of understanding regarding future cooperation for the management of waste.

Because Gibran wants PLTSa Surakarta to provide more benefits to the surrounding areas, especially regarding waste management, which has always been a problem in the community. With the presence of PLTSa Surakarta, the piles of garbage in the surrounding areas of Surakarta can practically be reduced because they are collected and processed through the power generation installation.

What is clear is that this is a solution not only for the city of Surakarta, but also for the surrounding districts.

"From the surrounding area (formerly known as the Surakarta Residency), there will be a commitment to send their waste to us. We will first tackle our own "mountain" of garbage. Only then will we accept waste from outside the city," said Gibran.

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

Officials are attempting to extinguish the blaze that has emerged on a towering heap of garbage at the Putri Cempo landfill in Surakarta, Central Java, on Saturday (9/16/2023). It is suspected that the hot weather is the cause of the fire.

In one day, the Surakarta Waste-to-Energy Plant needs at least 545 tons of waste to be processed into electricity. From that amount, the total electrical energy generated reaches 8 megawatts. Three megawatts are allocated for the operation of the plant, while the remaining 5 megawatts are sold to the state electricity company (PLN) to be directly distributed to the public.

The Chief Executive Officer of PT Solo Citra Metro Plasma Tower, Elan Suherlan, stated that the installation of the power plant was not only a solution for waste management, but also guaranteed an environmentally-friendly electricity production process. At least 29 certificates must be obtained by the operators to ensure the environmental-friendly aspects of the industry.

Furthermore, Elan explains that the eco-friendly aspect is demonstrated through the gasification method used to convert waste into Syngas. Afterwards, the Syngas is processed in a high-temperature gasifier reactor to be converted into electricity. Therefore, it is ensured that there is no smoke or dust in the air, liquid waste, or the use of chemicals.

Also read: The Long Road to Turning Waste into Friendly Energy

KOMPAS/NINO CITRA ANUGRAHANTO

Extinguishing the fire using the water bombing method was carried out at the Putri Cempo Final Place, Surakarta City, Central Java, Tuesday (19/9/2023). Hot spots have still been found since the fire occurred on Saturday (16/9/2023). This method was chosen because there are fire spots that are difficult for firefighters to reach.

"Our hope is that this place can also become a facility that can be used together as a means of learning, sharing knowledge, experience, research and development, training, as well as support for the processing of waste into new clean and environmentally friendly energy," said Elan.

The trash pile at TPA Putri Cempo is estimated to be depleted in the next 5-7 years for the needs of the Surakarta PLTSa. Therefore, Elan stated that the "Gemah Lurah" program has been initiated with the aim of bringing in waste from outside the area. In addition, an information system on waste needs, called "Sibusari," has also been created, which can be monitored online.

"This is hoped to realize the optimization of waste management from upstream to downstream. Both in Surakarta and the surrounding areas so that waste problems can be better and more planned, " said Elan.