Potential Integration of Waste to Energy (WtE) and Carbon Mineralization Technology in Indonesia

Abstract

Several issues such as environment, finance, and policies in the development of Waste to Energy (WtE) in Indonesia require strategic and appropriate handling. This study offers a promising solution by integrating WtE incineration process with carbon mineralization as one of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): adding CO2 capture technology to the existing system and CO2 will be reacted with fly ash residue producing insoluble carbonates to stabilize the heavy metals contained. Moreover, with a combustion capacity of 1000 tons of waste/day scenario, it is equivalent to a reduction of carbon emissions of up to 25 tCO2 per day. A feasibility study in Estonia revealed that if WtE is integrated with carbon mineralization, the resulting Net Present Value (NPV) is up to 9,209,662 EUR. This can be an opportunity for Indonesia to solve the financial issues as the existing WtE only generates 133,500 EUR of NPV. Additionally, the existing policy states that the construction of a WtE plant must be accompanied by a residue treatment plant facility. So that in addition to increasing profits and environmental benefits, this integration also can help simplify the complexity of WtE development requirements because residue treatment becomes easier.