Jakarta – PLN Nusantara Power (PLN NP), through the Tanjung Awar-Awar Generation Unit (UP), is collaborating with the Cakrawala Nusantara Energy Cooperative (ECN) to collect and process corn waste. According to PLN NP on Tuesday, September 23, with the support of a 2-ton-per-hour Hammer Mill provided by PLN NP, the ECN cooperative is capable of producing at least 8 tons of biomass per day.
In Tuban Regency, East Java, corn cobs and straw from local farmers’ harvests are usually considered waste and are often burned directly on the land, which actually increases greenhouse gas emissions.
PLN Nusantara Power President Director Ruly Firmansyah stated that this program demonstrates how energy transition can be aligned with community empowerment.
“The use of corn waste as co-firing biomass at the Tanjung Awar-Awar coal-fired power plant is clear evidence that green energy can directly benefit residents. We are reducing carbon emissions while creating added value for farmers who have had difficulty managing their waste,” explained Ruly.
According to him, this strategic step supports ESDM Regulation No. 12 of 2023 concerning the use of biomass co-firing in coal-fired power plants, as well as accelerating the national Renewable Energy (NRE) mix target.
Managed through an energy cooperative
Farmers can now sell corn waste to cooperatives, earning an additional income. This scheme not only facilitates waste management but also creates new business opportunities in rural areas.
Through collaboration with PLN NP, this agricultural waste is utilised as co-firing biomass fuel at the Tanjung Awar-Awar Steam Power Plant (PLTU). PLN NP hopes that this collaboration with the Tuban community can serve as a model for creating a sustainable green energy ecosystem while maintaining energy security in Indonesia.
Tuban Regency is renowned as one of the national corn granaries, with an annual production exceeding 760,000 tons. From that amount, millions of tons of waste in the form of straw and corn cobs are produced. Through this initiative, waste is converted into renewable energy and a new source of income for farmers. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Unloading of biomass sawdust for the Tanjung Awar Awar PLTU in Tuban, East Java. (Source: PLN EPI)
