Palm Shell Co-Firing - Can It Cut Coal Plant Emissions?

Coal remains the backbone of power generation in many countries, including Indonesia. However, it also produces the largest share of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, which accelerate climate change. Therefore, researchers are exploring alternatives that can reduce coal use without sacrificing energy output. One promising solution is Palm Shell Co-Firing a method that blends coal with palm shell biomass.

A study by Diponegoro University (2023) evaluated this method at a 2 x 7 MW coal fired power plant using a chain grate stoker system. The findings demonstrate that co-firing significantly lowers emissions while keeping boiler operations safe and stable.

What Is Co-Firing with Palm Shells?

Co-firing is the process of mixing coal with biomass before combustion in the boiler. In this research, palm shells were introduced at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% ratios.

Palm shells were chosen for several reasons:

They are abundantly available in Indonesia as waste from 16.6 million hectares of palm oil plantations.
They provide a relatively high calorific value (±4,083 kCal/kg ADB).
They ignite faster than coal because of their higher volatile matter content.

As a result, palm shells not only act as a substitute fuel but also accelerate combustion inside the furnace.

Key Findings from Palm Shell Co-Firing

1. Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Co-firing with palm shells significantly reduces CO₂ and CO emissions, creating cleaner and greener energy

The results clearly show a strong environmental impact.

CO₂ levels dropped from 7% (pure coal) to only 0.9% at 20% palm shell blending.
CO decreased from 759 Mg/Nm³ to 105 Mg/Nm³.

Thus, increasing the share of palm shells directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Stable and Improved Boiler Performance

Palm shell co-firing keeps boiler performance stable while improving steam quality and combustion efficiency

The boiler operated efficiently during co-firing.

Furnace temperature increased, while furnace pressure decreased compared to coal-only operation.
Main steam quality improved with higher temperature, pressure, and flow.
Combustion became faster and more efficient because palm shells burn more quickly than coal.

Consequently, the plant produced stable power output while consuming less coal.

3. Slagging, Fouling, and Corrosion Analysis

Technical risks were also assessed.

Slagging index stayed within safe limits for all mixing ratios.
Fouling index reached the severe category at 10% blending, but operators can still manage it through proper control.
Corrosion potential from chlorine was categorized as minor, meaning it does not threaten long-term boiler safety.

4. Safe Ash Quality

Laboratory tests confirmed that both fly ash and bottom ash remained non-toxic and within environmental standards. Therefore, the use of palm shells does not create additional waste risks.

Conclusion: Why Palm Shell Co-Firing Matters

This study proves that Palm Shell Co-Firing can cut emissions significantly while maintaining reliable power plant operations. At a 20% blending ratio:

CO₂ emissions dropped to below 1%.
Steam temperature, pressure, and flow all improved.
Technical risks such as slagging, fouling, and corrosion stayed under control.

Therefore, palm shell co-firing supports Indonesia’s clean energy roadmap, helping the country reach 23% renewable energy by 2025 and achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2060. In addition, it shows how agricultural waste can become a sustainable solution for the power sector.

Non-screening Palm Kernel Shell supplied by PT Hendry Berkah Eksporindo, a sustainable feedstock for biochar and co-firing

At PT Hendry Berkah Eksporindo, we partner with trusted suppliers of non-screening Palm Kernel Shell, a reliable feedstock for biochar and co-firing applications. If your business is exploring sustainable raw materials for energy or agriculture, we are ready to supply and support your needs.

Palm Shell Co-Firing – Can It Cut Coal Plant Emissions?