STRATEGIC FEASIBILITY OF FGD GYPSUM COMMERCIALIZATION IN A COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT: A CASE STUDY OF PT SUMATERA PEMBANGKIT

Authors

Ferandi Eka Yarsi Institut Teknologi Bandung
Atik Aprianingsih Institut Teknologi Bandung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31539/costing.v8i3.15752

Keywords:

Gypsum Commercialization, Waste Utilization, Coal-Fired Power Plan, Circular Economy, B2b Marketing, Cost-Benefit Analysis.

Abstract

PT Sumatera Pembangkit, operator of a 1,320 MW mine-mouth coal-fired power plant (CFPP) in South Sumatra, is currently facing increasing challenges in managing its Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum waste, which remains classified as hazardous (B3) material. This by-product remains unused despite its chemical purity and applicability in the cement and construction industries. This study evaluates the strategic and financial feasibility of commercializing flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum as an unrelated diversification strategy that supports waste reduction, compliance improvement, and alternative revenue generation. The research employs a mixed-method approach combining external analysis, internal analysis, financial viability, and B2B marketing strategy. Findings reveal that the gypsum produced by PT Sumatera Pembangkit meets the technical specifications required by cement producers. The commercialization strategy shows a positive Net Present Value (NPV) and internal rate of return, although it is constrained by regulatory limitations, lack of SNI certification, and infrastructure readiness. The study proposes a phased business model incorporating regulatory enablement, market development, and infrastructure enhancement. The study offers a practical framework for waste utilization in the energy sector and contributes to Indonesia’s circular economy goals by transforming industrial waste into business value.

References

Boardman, A. E., Greenberg, D. H., Vining, A. R., & Weimer, D. L. (2018). Cost-Benefit Analysis: Concepts and Practice (5th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Chatterjee, A. K. (2019). Gypsum utilization in the cement industry. Cement and Concrete Research, 124, 105849.

Ghisellini, P., Cialani, C., & Ulgiati, S. (2016). A review on circular economy: The expected transition from a linear economy to a circular one. Journal of Cleaner Production, 114, 11–32.

Grant, R. M. (2019). Contemporary Strategy Analysis (10th ed.). Wiley.

Kotler, P., & Keller, K. L. (2022). Marketing Management (15th ed.). Pearson.

Robinson, P.J., Faris, C.W. & Wind, Y. (1967). Industrial Buying and Creative Marketing. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Zhang, Y., Li, J., & Chen, M. (2021). Reutilization of FGD gypsum in construction materials: A review. Construction and Building Materials, 273, 121697.