Development of waste-To-energy plant in Kuala Lumpur

Abstract

The increasing of waste generation and its accumulation is alarming due to its potential negative effect on the well-being of the society and the integrity of environment sustainability. Waste generation in Kuala Lumpur is about 2,500 t/ d and is expected to increase to about 4,000 t/ d in 2020. The waste is sent to Bukit Tagar Sanitary Landfill via Taman Beringin Transfer Station. The transfer station is overloaded with the design capacity of only 1,700 t/ d. The government of Malaysia has decided to construct a 1,200 t/d waste-to-energy (WtE) plant at Taman Beringin, which is adjacent to the transfer station. As the location is highly populated, the project might raise the concerns from nearby residents. This paper describes the project facilitating activities that have been conducted for the development of WtE plant in KL. The studies include technology selection, site assessment and soil investigation, public safety and health assessment, power system study and waste characteristics. The results of the studies are necessary for the decision making and approval by government agencies such as Department of Environment and local authority, as well as the design of WtE.