What Is Indonesia’s Clean Coal Technology?

Indonesia is one of the biggest coal producing countries in the world. Fourth, in fact. They have a huge amount of coal, so naturally it’s their primary source of power. The downside of so much coal and coal-energy production? Emissions. The emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is becoming a growing problem for Indonesia, as their carbon footprint grows and concerns of global warming linger. Let’s take a look at how they plan to change it…

Clean coal

Indonesia’s government has announced plans for clean coal technology. This will be incorporated into existing coal power plants as well as future projects. It focusses on reducing emissions of the previously mentioned carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, but also looks to tackle the emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter. It’s definitely a great idea, but how will it work? Here are some of the solutions:

• Electrostatic precipitators – an innovative tool that makes coal production cleaner. They remove and collect air pollutants from the machinery, reducing the amount that is released into the air.
• Coal preparation – washing the coal before production removes some of the ash, which reduces the amount of pollutants and increases the coal-burning efficiency. Less energy used and less harmful emissions.
• Flue gas – Flue gas desulphurisation removes sulphur dioxide from the exhaust gases of power plants, making the emissions less harmful. The flue gas can also be collected and re-burned to tackle and utilise nitrogen oxide.
• Carbon capture – Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology works to remove carbon dioxide emissions and store or isolate them safely in the ground

Clean and efficient

It’s thought that this technology could cut harmful emissions by up to 35 percent. Although it will increase the cost of running the plants, the technology will also improve the efficiency, allowing them to produce more energy for a larger chunk of the Indonesian population.

“This technology allows Indonesia to continue to use its coal resources to meet increasing energy demand and promote economic growth while continuing to meet its emission reduction targets in the Paris Agreement,” explained World Coal Association chief executive, Benjamin Sporton.

Pollution assessment

While greenhouse gases contribute to global warming, gases like nitrogen oxide can also lead to poor health for those exposed to it. It’s important to keep track of these gases. For one, to give us a better understanding of how to deal with them. But also so we can raise awareness and warn the public. ‘Assessment of NOx Pollution over Megacity Delhi’ explores the emissions of nitrogen oxide in one of the fastest developing industrial climates in the world.