Electrical energy potential of rice husk as fuel for power generation in Indonesia

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the potential of electrical energy of rice husk as fuel for power generation in Indonesia. The estimated potential of rice husk in each province of the country was calculated using the statistical data of rice production from 2011. The estimated annual potential of rice husk development was calculated using statistical data from 2001 to 2012. The results indicate that the development potential of rice husk, potential for electrical energy and economic potential increased by approximately 36.8% over 12 years; an average of about 3.1% per year. In 2011, the 33 provinces had rice husk potential of around 10.52 million tons, which is equivalent to about 5.24 million tons of coals, providing electrical energy and electrical power potentials of about 39,272 GWh and 4, 481 MW, respectively. About 26 provinces had potential rice husk electrical energy greater than 100 GWh, providing a total electrical energy potential of approximately 39,076 GWh, and electrical power of around 4, 460 MW. This potential could be turned into fuel for small power plants with mono-combustion applications. The other seven provinces had very small rice husk potential and should apply co-combustion with other fuels for very small power producers. Use of rice husk as fuel for power plants could overcome the shortage of electrical energy, reduce the use of coal and decrease negative environmental impacts in Indonesia.