Utilization of Plastic Waste as an Alternative Fuel in Cement Industry for Improved Energy Sustainability

The cement industry primarily relies on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which carries a significant environmental impact and constitutes about 30 – 40% of the total production costs per ton of cement. Thus, prioritizing the reduction of both economic expenditure and environmental impact through diverse alternative energy sources becomes a crucial objective in the cement industry. With a target of incorporating 11% alternative fuels by 2025, PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa (ITP) Tbk unit Palimanan Cirebon has adopted plastic waste as an alternative fuel in its production process. This study aims to assess the energy contribution of plastic waste and its economic benefits. Based on 2022 data, the PT. ITP Palimanan unit utilized 796 tons/year of plastic waste as an alternative fuel, reflecting an annual increase of around 241%. The heating value of plastic waste was evaluated at 7234 kcal/kg to ensure the alternative fuel’s quality. Compared to low-grade coal like lignite coal, this plastic waste holds a higher heating value, resulting in additional advantages for the cement factory. Consequently, this program could substitute nearly 24,113 GJ/year of fossil energy. This utilization not only replaces fossil fuels but also combats marine pollution as the waste originates from the north coast of Java. Considering a coal price of approximately 82,767 IDR/GJ, this program can yield savings of almost 1.99 billion/year. Prioritizing process reliability and cement product quality can consistently encourage the development of more environmentally friendly cement products. Additionally, this program addresses society's waste problem by transforming it into a renewable energy source.