Jakarta—PLN Indonesia Power (PLN IP) and Bank Indonesia (BI) are utilising Waste Banknotes (LRUK) as a mixed fuel in the cofiring program at the Steam Power Plant (PLTU). Edwin Nugraha Putra, President and Director of PLN Indonesia Power, called this collaboration a form of real synergy between the energy and financial sectors.
Cooperation by utilising waste banknotes is an innovative solution in the energy transition. It is expected to reduce carbon emissions while accelerating the achievement of the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target by 2060.
“This program is a concrete step in supporting sustainable energy transition. Banknote waste solves the problem and becomes an environmentally friendly energy solution,” Edwin said in a press release on Wednesday, December 11.
PLN Indonesia Power has implemented LRUK cofiring technology in several PLTUs, including in Central Java, West Kalimantan, and South Kalimantan. For example, a trial was conducted in November 2023 at PLTU Jateng 2 Adipala and showed positive results. Likewise, in PLTU Bengkayang, LRUK replaced up to 4 per cent of coal fuel, while in PLTU Asam-Asam, its use reached 5 per cent in the initial trial stage in December 2024.
“We have proven the effectiveness of LRUK in cofiring. This step is in line with PLN’s vision to provide reliable electricity and support the low-carbon energy transition,” Edwin added. Currently, as many as 20 PLTU units have run the biomass cofiring program, and this number is projected to continue to grow.
The head of Bank Indonesia’s Money Management Department, Marlison Hakim, explained that utilising LRUK is part of BI’s commitment to the go-green principle.
“From the process of making to destroying money, we ensure that all processes support environmental sustainability. With its high biomass content, LRUK has great potential as an environmentally friendly fuel,” Marlison said.
He also emphasised that the results of the composition test by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) showed that LRUK is free from hazardous and toxic materials (B3), making it safe to use. “This innovation brings together two interests: responsible waste management and reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy,” he added.
This collaboration is an important step in encouraging green energy innovation in Indonesia. “This cooperation benefits not only PLN and BI but also the wider community because it helps reduce dependence on coal and reduce the carbon footprint,” said Edwin.
Going forward, BI and PLN IP cooperation will be extended to Bank Indonesia representative offices throughout Indonesia. Thus, utilising LRUK can be integrated more widely into power plants in various regions. “Through this program, we contribute to the NZE 2060 target and support global efforts in combating climate change,” Marlison concluded. (Hartatik)
