Emissions measurements make an important contribution to improving air quality in Indonesia

Indonesia's economy is booming; it is the largest in Southeast Asia, with annual growth of around five percent. Local industry in particular is benefiting from efforts to increase value creation in the country. However, rising production in energy-intensive industries is leading to increasing air pollution. Jakarta for example is one of the most polluted cities in the world. The concentration of fine dust is significantly above the WHO limits, records show a clear long-term increase in ozone pollution, while nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide remain on a constant high level. As a key element in improving air quality, continuous emission measurements (CEMS) are carried out in Indonesia, which show first good results, as the concentration of sulphur dioxide is decreasing which is probably due to modernisation of industrial facilities and therefore indirectly attributable to the measurements. Specialists from TÜV NORD Indonesia have been a recognised institution in this field for many years.

These emission measurements focus in particular on energy-intensive industries, which are also responsible for a large proportion of pollutant emissions. These include, among others, iron and steel production, the pulp and paper industry, the oil and gas industry, cement production, and coal and gas-fired power stations.

“Within the framework of legal requirements, pollutant emissions are monitored to ensure compliance with limit values,” explains Byas Prisade. He is Environmental & Industrial Hygiene Lab Manager at TÜV NORD Indonesia. The company audits measuring stations, which means it is responsible for ensuring that they function properly and deliver reliable measurements. “In this way, we are doing our part to improve air quality in the country, protect the environment and enhance people’s quality of life.” In addition to monitoring limit values, companies can use the data collected to optimise processes and operating conditions, which in turn has a positive impact on energy consumption and thus also on pollutant emissions.

CEMS measurements at emission sources provide real-time data

CEMS measurements, which are mandatory in Indonesia since 2009, collect a wide range of key figures, depending on the emitter: CO2 emissions play a central role in coal-fired power plants, while cement plants focus on measuring sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, for example. Precise measurements require the permanent installation of measuring devices with sensors attached to relevant emission sources such as exhaust pipes, which continuously supply data. All devices permanently record emissions in order to provide real-time data. This data is analysed, stored and forwarded to the relevant authorities. Measuring equipment is monitored and calibrated by TÜV NORD Indonesia.

Although monitoring emissions initially only involves measurement and documentation and not automatically their reduction, the measurement does have indirect effects. “Operators can see in real time whether their plants are exceeding limits,” explains Byas Prisade. To avoid penalties for prolonged exceedances of the limits, companies therefore have a strong interest to optimise production processes and consequently to reduce emissions. Figures show that this is indeed the case, the concentration of sulphur dioxide is decreasing. Mr. Prisade: “Measurements create control and pressure to reduce emissions.” However, in order for these measurements to provide valid data, the measuring points must be checked regularly; depending on the type of measuring equipment, audits by independent testing organisations are required at least once a year. The audit reports must be made available to the authorities. This gives them a complete picture of whether and how pollutant emissions are changing and how well they are calibrated.

The quality of the ambient air is also measured

Another component for improving air purity is the Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS), which measures pollutant concentrations in the ambient air. Pollutants include fine dust, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide, to name but a few. Unlike CEMS measuring stations, AQMS measuring stations are distributed throughout the country in order to obtain a comprehensive picture of air quality. Specialists also carry out technical audits on these measuring devices to check their functionality and accuracy.

Although mandatory continuous emissions monitoring in Indonesia has not led to any significant improvement in air quality over the years, it must be borne in mind that a large number of industrial plants have been built. From this perspective, pollutant emissions have remained essentially constant despite the new emitters, which is already an improvement. “However, when looking at the figures we are aware that there is still a lot to be done in terms of air pollution control. We at TÜV NORD Indonesia want to make our contribution,” says Byas Prisade, who sees good development opportunities in this business area, perhaps even in neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. Although measures to improve air quality are in place there, there is no mandatory monitoring. “In the interests of environmental protection, we are very keen to contribute our expertise everywhere.”

Founded in 2002 and based in Jakarta, TÜV NORD Indonesia carries out these calibration services from its own ISO 17025-accredited laboratory for chemical and consumer safety. The laboratory also conducts tests on foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and textiles. Conformity tests are carried out in accordance with Indonesian standards for tyres, fertilisers and ceramics. What’s more, services for medical devices and for many years environmental testing are offered. TÜV NORD Indonesia currently manages more than 100 metering points.