02 June 2025
PT Obi Sinar Timur (OST), one of Harita Nickel’s business units, has adopted emission control technologies to minimize the environmental impact of its coal-fired power plant (PLTU) operations in Kawasi Village, Obi Subdistrict, South Halmahera, North Maluku. This initiative is a vital part of the company’s commitment to responsible environmental management.
Amiruddin, Deputy Head of Technical Support at PT OST, stated that the company currently operates a power plant with a total capacity of 910 MW, out of an installed capacity of 1,670 MW—part of which is still under construction. The power plant consists of one 150 MW unit and four units of 380 MW each.
“To improve air quality management, each unit has been equipped with emission control technology tailored to its operational characteristics,” he explained.
Amiruddin further elaborated that each power plant stack is fitted with a calibrated Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS). This equipment provides real-time emissions data for parameters including Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Mercury (Hg), and Particulate Matter. The system is directly connected to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry’s Industrial Emissions Monitoring Information System (SISPEK).
To reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, all generating units are equipped with low-NOₓ burners, which are designed to minimize NOₓ formation at the combustion stage by precisely controlling temperature and airflow. Meanwhile, to capture particulate matter from combustion, exhaust gases are first passed through an Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP)—a technology that uses an electric field to trap fine particles, resulting in extremely low particulate levels in the air released through the stacks.
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions are controlled using different approaches depending on the unit capacity. The 150 MW unit utilizes a limestone injection system that reacts directly with SO₂ gases inside the boiler furnace. For the 380 MW units, the company employs Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) technology—recognized as one of the most effective methods for reducing sulfur content in industrial flue gas at scale.
Amiruddin emphasized that all emission control processes are closely monitored using the CEMS, which can instantly detect changes in emission levels. “With this technology, we can ensure that all emissions released meet the applicable standards,” he added.
Through this approach, Harita Nickel demonstrates that industrial sustainability does not have to come at the expense of air quality and environmental health. This commitment aligns with the company’s broader efforts to support responsible and sustainable national nickel downstream development.
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