In 2024, Grandblue formed a strategic partnership with Indonesia’s Growth Steel Group (GSG), working together in areas such as environmental technology research and development as well as the operation and management of biomass power plants. Drawing on proprietary green innovation technologies developed through years of independent research, Grandblue has effectively addressed several of GSG’s key operational challenges, including high combustion volatility and low incineration efficiency in its biomass incinerators. These efforts are helping support GSG’s transition toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible development.
Tailored Solutions
Innovative Technology Built for Local Conditions
Indonesia, one of the world’s leading palm producers, has abundant palm fruit bunch resources. GSG’s biomass incineration project, located in Medan in North Sumatra Province, uses palm fruit bunches as its primary feedstock. Through high-efficiency incineration, thermal energy is converted into electrical power, providing the steel plant with a stable and green in-house power supply while supporting a low-carbon transition in its production processes. However, palm fruit bunches pose significant combustion challenges due to their low calorific value, high moisture content, and the difficulty of achieving complete combustion. Effective incineration therefore requires precise control throughout the entire combustion process, placing greater demands on both incinerator efficiency and process design. These technical challenges were further compounded by several persistent operational bottlenecks. Manual material turning and slag removal were inefficient, labor-intensive, and carried safety risks. Frequent raw material carryover, where fuel was discharged before it had fully combusted led to low fuel utilization and unnecessary resource waste. In addition, the main steam temperature remained consistently low while pressure fluctuated sharply, undermining stable incinerator operation and increasing operating costs.
To address both the combustion characteristics of palm fruit bunches and the operational challenges of the incinerators, Grandblue’s technical team traveled to Indonesia to conduct on-site assessments of the equipment and analyze the root causes of each issue. Drawing on the company’s extensive expertise in solid waste treatment, the team developed a tailored solution designed to minimize additional equipment investment while maximizing operational performance. The approach involved retrofitting the existing fixed grate with adjustable automatic material-pushing and turning equipment to replace manual operations. The solution proved highly targeted, practical, and cost-effective, earning strong recognition from GSG.
Seamless Execution
Retrofit Delivers Significant Results
The biomass incinerator retrofit project represented a comprehensive, end-to-end application of Grandblue’s proprietary technologies, placing high demands on the team’s technical expertise and operational efficiency. Working in an unfamiliar environment and navigating language barriers and confined working conditions, the Grandblue team advanced the project with strong commitment and professionalism. From solution design, equipment manufacturing, and assembly and commissioning to country-of-origin certification, installation guidance, and ongoing operational support, Grandblue provided full-cycle technical services covering every stage of the project. At the same time, the team delivered structured training sessions and hands-on on-site coaching, enabling GSG’s operations team to quickly master equipment operation, refine operational strategies, and expand their technical capabilities. Guided by the principle of building long-term capacity, this approach established a solid foundation for the project’s stable and efficient operation in the years ahead.
Following the retrofit and commissioning, the results have been highly encouraging. Material turning and slag removal are now fully automated, reducing labor demands and ensuring safer equipment operation. The combustion burnout rate of palm fruit bunches has improved significantly, minimizing raw material carryover and enhancing combustion stability. Main steam temperature has increased by more than 35 °C, pressure stability has improved, and overall equipment operating efficiency has risen markedly. The project has successfully delivered on its four core objectives—cost reduction, efficiency improvement, quality enhancement, and strengthened safety. It has not only helped GSG significantly improve its solid waste resource utilization capabilities but also provided strong momentum for the region’s green and low-carbon development.
Looking ahead, Grandblue will continue to be driven by technological innovation, exploring opportunities to bring more advanced environmental technologies and proven operational models to both domestic and international markets. Through these efforts, Grandblue aims to contribute to the global transition toward green and low-carbon development, working with partners to open new pathways for sustainable growth and build a shared vision for a more sustainable future.