Biomass co-firing with coal, promoted by Indonesia’s state-owned power company PLN as a step towards a greener economy and emission reduction, may not offer a long-term solution to the country’s reliance on coal-fired power, according to a recent report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
The report highlights significant challenges in increasing biomass co-firing shares at coal-fired power plants (CFPPs), including supply constraints and operational difficulties.
Moreover, the environmental benefits appear limited.
A target of 10% biomass co-firing is projected to reduce particulate matter emissions by just 9%, nitrogen oxides by 7%, and sulphur dioxide by 10% at individual plants.
Nationally, this would translate into only a 1.5 to 2.4% reduction in total coal power emissions.
In addition, the report notes regulatory gaps around emission standards for co-firing.
While biomass plants are permitted higher emission limits than coal plants, current regulations do not clearly specify thresholds for plants using coal-biomass blends.
This raises concerns about the unmonitored release of certain pollutants linked to biomass feedstock combustion, states the study.
The environmental claims by PLN regarding emission reductions from biomass co-firing have not been fully quantified, it goes on to say.
The life cycle emissions associated with biomass - including harvesting, processing, and transport - have yet to be comprehensively assessed, leaving the true environmental impact unclear.
Consequently, CREA recommends that PLN adopt independent verification processes to evaluate emissions across the entire biomass supply chain.
Establishing a framework for thorough, plant-level assessment of bioenergy use would improve transparency and accountability, according to the organisation.
Furthermore, the report urges the Indonesian government to accelerate plans to phase out coal power generation.
Strengthening air pollution standards and mandating effective pollution control technologies could bring substantial health and economic benefits.
The report cautions that biomass co-firing risks prolonging coal dependence, with limited gains for climate or air quality, and potential negative impacts on local communities and ecosystems.
Indonesia’s abundant renewable resources present significant opportunities for a cleaner energy future, the report concludes, if prioritised over transitional measures like biomass co-firing.
Biomass co-firing in Indonesia ‘not a long-term solution’, according to new report
