Over the past eight years, the facility has supplied an impressive 122.04 GWh of clean energy to East Java’s power grid.
In Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, trash is no longer just waste—it’s fuel. Every day, 1,600 tons of garbage arrive at the Benowo Landfill. Of this, approximately 1,000 tons are processed into electricity, while the remainder is handled using other advanced methods. Mayor Eri Cahyadi emphasized that this innovative approach not only tackles Surabaya’s mounting waste issues but also generates renewable energy, creating a sustainable solution for a city of 3.2 million people.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
The Benowo Landfill employs cutting-edge technologies, including landfill gas fermentation for organic waste and thermochemical gasification for non-organic waste. The system aligns with the city’s ambitious “zero waste” target and has received recognition from Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
Eight Years of Clean Energy: Benowo’s Impressive Contribution
Since its inception on November 30, 2015, the Benowo Waste-to-Energy Plant (PLTSa) has transformed Surabaya’s waste management landscape. Spanning 37.4 hectares, the facility began with a modest capacity of 1.65 MW using sanitary landfill technology. In March 2021, a second phase employing gasification technology expanded the plant’s capacity to 9 MW.
Over the past eight years, the facility has supplied an impressive 122.04 GWh of clean energy to East Java’s power grid. General Manager of PT PLN (Persero) Unit Induk Distribusi Jawa Timur, Lasiran, highlighted the plant’s annual contributions: 5.5 GWh from the sanitary landfill system and 30 GWh from the gasification plant.
“These technologies ensure that electricity used by Surabaya residents is sourced from environmentally friendly systems,” Lasiran stated.
How the Technology Works
Surabaya’s waste-to-energy system integrates two main technologies:
Sanitary Landfill: Trash is compacted in a designated site and covered with soil. The decomposition process produces methane gas, which is captured and converted into energy.
Gasification: This method thermally converts solid waste into gas fuel in a controlled oxygen environment. The gasifier reactor eliminates residual waste, achieving near-zero waste status.
Unlike older technologies, the gasification process leaves no waste behind, representing a significant step forward in eco-friendly energy production.
The Road Ahead: Scaling Green Energy
PLN is expanding its green energy footprint beyond Surabaya. By the end of 2023, the company plans to install 16 additional communal solar power plants in Sumenep’s islands, targeting 8,434 potential customers with a combined capacity of 975 kWp.
Lasiran emphasized PLN’s commitment to equitable access to clean energy across East Java, adapting to diverse terrains and community needs.
Mayor Eri Cahyadi stressed the importance of grassroots participation in waste management. Through initiatives like community-level waste banks and the adoption of Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, and Replace (4R) principles, Surabaya aims to cut daily waste from 1,600 tons to 1,400 tons. These efforts not only mitigate environmental impacts but also foster a sense of shared responsibility among residents.
Surabaya’s waste-to-energy success story exemplifies how innovative technology, combined with community engagement, can address pressing urban challenges. As the world grapples with climate change and waste management crises, Surabaya stands as a beacon of sustainability, proving that even waste can power a brighter, greener future.
Lead image courtesy of Surabaya City Government Public Relations (Waste Management at Benowo TPA)
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