Determining Carbon Dioxide Emission Factors of Indonesia Coal-Fired Power Plants with CEMS Measurement Data

Abstract

Abstract Background Carbon dioxide (CO2), as the primary greenhouse gas (GHG), expedites global warming, and its concentration in the atmosphere has steadily increased since the industrial revolution in 1870. In Indonesia, most of the electricity is generated by coal-fired power plants (CFPPs), which exhibit the highest CO2 emissions compared to other types of power plants. The GHG inventory involves regularly gathering data and information to assess the levels, status, and trends of GHG emissions from various sources and sinks. More precise emission factor (EF) values are essential to enhance the accuracy of emission calculations. EFs derived from measurements using continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) from CFPPs yield more precise values, accurately representing actual emissions. Methods To update and determine the CO2 EF within national level, we collected CEMS data from 30 CFPP units spread across Indonesia from 2021–2023. Data analysis and discussion are conducted on the effects of boiler type, generating capacity, electricity production, type of coal used, and comparison of CEMS CO2 EFs with default EF and national EF. Results The CEMS EF obtained is 107,170.581 ± 19,173.240 kg CO2 TJ−1. Generation capacity and electricity production are directly proportional to the CEMS EF, in contrast to the heating value, which is inversely proportional to the CEMS EF. The CEMS EF is not significantly different from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) EF and national EF. A multiple linear regression equation is used to predict the CEMS EF, expressed by the CEMS CO2 EF (kg CO2 ton−1 coal) = 682.277 + (0.009 × coal consumption [tons/month]) + (0.015 × heat rate [kcal kWh−1]). Conclusions This research is expected to be a reference in the GHG inventory especially from CFPPs. It is also hoped that this research can provide a new perspective in determining carbon tax and carbon trading policies in Indonesia. Graphical abstract

Keywords

• Emission factors
• CEMS
• Coal-fired power plant