THE new waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in Jeram, Kuala Selangor, began operations two weeks ago, with a second unit scheduled for completion by year-end.
The investment in both units is expected to reach a full return on investment (ROI) within 12 to 15 years, said Selangor’s Select Committee on Agencies, Statutory Bodies and Subsidiaries (JP-ABAS) chairman Rajiv Rishyakaran.
Construction of both WTE plants in Jeram is by Worldwide Holdings Bhd and Shanghai Electric, at a cost of RM1.2bil.
Rajiv said construction of Jeram 2 WTE was 87% complete.
Both WTE plants are situated adjacent to the existing Jeram landfill.
Each plant, said Rajiv, would process up to 1,500 tonnes of waste daily, which would significantly ease the need for landfills.
“The WTE plants will be a viable and environmentally better alternative,” said the Bukit Gasing assemblyman.
“To meet future demand, Selangor will need additional WTE plants in Tanjung Dua Belas in Kuala Langat and another in Rawang.
“ROI for Jeram 1 and 2 WTE will depend on selling electricity to the electrical grid, long-term tipping fees and selling ancillary byproducts, such as bottom ash from the WTE facilities to replace expensive aggregates to make bricks,” he added.
Rajiv visited the Jeram 1 WTE plant with other JP-ABAS committee members comprising Selangor assemblymen Datuk Noorazley Yahya (Taman Melawati), Dr Afif Bahardin (Taman Medan), Ong Chun Wei (Balakong) and Cheong Kian Young (Kajang), as well as Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San.
They were taken on a tour of the plant and given a briefing on the operations.
Rajiv also held a closed-door meeting with the plant’s engineers and operators.
After the visit, Lau said the Selangor Legislative Assembly was expected to hold a special session next month to discuss the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2), the state’s development framework for the next five years.
“Now, the assembly is awaiting consent from the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah before the special sitting can be held,” he said.
“The state assembly office received notice from the Mentri Besar’s office about the proposed special session, scheduled for June 19, 22 and 23.”
Lau added that the special sitting would focus on the presentation of RS-2 by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, followed by debates from state assemblymen.
Previously, Amirudin said RS-2, to be tabled in June, was drafted to address current challenges such as global geopolitical tensions, the energy crisis and economic uncertainty worldwide.
“A more resilient and flexible approach is needed to ensure Selangor remains competitive and sustainable over the next five years,” said Lau.
