06 June 2025
Used cooking oil, typically viewed as household waste, is now being strategically utilized as an alternative energy source at PT Megah Surya Pertiwi (MSP), a Harita Nickel operating unit on Obi Island.
Through its innovative use in the nickel ore drying process (dryer kiln), used cooking oil has enabled MSP to reduce daily coal consumption by up to 10%. This alternative energy source now contributes approximately 21% of the total heat energy required for drying operations.
Beyond energy efficiency, the initiative has generated immediate cost savings of IDR 79 million, with projected annual savings of up to IDR 320 million per production line.
Agung Sunardi Munim, Environment Compliance & Monitoring Supervisor at MSP, noted that the idea originated from the simple concept of repurposing waste cooking oil from the company’s canteen. “We identified unused kitchen oil as an overlooked asset. After testing, it proved to be both efficient and environmentally safe,” said Agung.
Since January 2023, the Environment team has developed and installed a dedicated system for collecting, filtering, storing, and injecting used cooking oil into the combustion chamber of the dryer kiln. Within three months, the system became fully operational and remains in consistent use.
By April 2023, the process was integrated into regular operations. The initiative follows detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring efficient scheduling and systematic management.
“Starting April 2023, the initiative has been applied routinely and is now fully integrated into our operational processes,” he added.
From an environmental standpoint, the use of used cooking oil offers significant benefits. With a calorific value of around 9,000 kcal/kg, higher than lignite coal, it generates fewer emissions and avoids harmful residues such as fly ash or excessive particulates. It also helps prevent water pollution and supports the company’s zero-waste objectives, aligning with regulatory standards under PermenLHK No. 4/2014 and Permen P.68/2016.
Due to its success and tangible impact, the program was awarded First Place at the business unit level in the Harita Continuous Improvement (HCI) 2024 event. It has also received recognition from the government as a concrete step toward supporting Sustainable Energy Initiatives in the industrial sector.
This initiative underscores PT MSP’s commitment to operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and energy transition. It highlights how simple, data-driven innovations can yield substantial impact, both for the environment and the future of Indonesia’s nickel industry.
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