Bank Indonesia Bengkulu converts two tonnes of damaged currency waste per month into electricity

Bengkulu — Bank Indonesia’s Bengkulu branch sends shredded currency waste of approximately two tonnes each month for use as fuel in power generation through a cooperation arrangement with PT PLN.

“On average, we shred approximately two tonnes of currency monthly, and the waste is utilised as fuel for power generation,” said Wahyu Yuwana Hidayat, Head of Bank Indonesia’s Bengkulu Branch, in Bengkulu on Wednesday.

He stated that the shredded waste originates from the destruction process of currency notes no longer fit for circulation after being withdrawn from public circulation.

According to Wahyu Yuwana, shredded waste is the result of destroying damaged or worn currency that cannot be reused in transactions.

“The quality of this shredded currency waste is equivalent to approximately 80 percent coal, so its calorific value is very good,” he said.

Wahyu Yuwana noted that each kilogram of shredded currency waste is capable of generating approximately one kilowatt of electrical energy when used as fuel for power generation.

Bank Indonesia Bengkulu previously sent approximately nine tonnes of shredded currency waste in the initial phase of the cooperation. From this amount, the electrical energy generated is estimated to reach approximately 9,000 kilowatts.

Furthermore, the ash residue from combustion can be processed into valuable products such as concrete blocks, drain pipes, and paving blocks that can be utilised for various construction needs.