Low-Temperature Activated Carbon Processing Plant Project

Assessing the feasibility of producing activated carbon using Low-Temperature Activation (LTA) technology

Project Proposal: Low-Temperature Activated Carbon Processing Plant

1. Executive Summary

Project Name: Low-Temperature Activated Carbon Processing Plant

Location: Indonesia

Capacity: Initial 5,000 TPA (Expandable to 30,000 TPA)

Objective: Assessing the feasibility of producing activated carbon using Low-Temperature Activation (LTA) technology.


2. Background & Market Analysis

Market Growth:

  • Global Market Growth: USD 4.98B in 2022 USD 7.73B by 2030 (CAGR 5.6%).
  • Increasing demand in water purification, air filtration, energy storage, and industrial applications.
  • High demand in Asia-Pacific, including Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, and China.

Competitive Landscape:

  • Established players: Jacobi Carbons, Cabot, Ingevity.
  • Emerging markets favoring low-temperature carbon production due to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Opportunities in Indonesia:

  • Availability of sustainable raw materials (coconut shells, sawdust, palm kernel shells).
  • Government incentives for green energy and environmental projects.
  • Growing industrial demand for activated carbon products.
  • Potential for export to high-demand regions such as Japan, Korea, and Europe.

3. Challenges & Risk Management

Business & Environmental Risks and Mitigation:

  • Market Risk: Secure long-term contracts with industrial buyers and establish diverse revenue streams.
  • Operational Risk: Implement automation, real-time monitoring, and preventive maintenance programs.
  • Environmental Risk: Ensure compliance with AMDAL, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001; install advanced filtration systems.
  • Financial Risk: Utilize a mix of debt and equity financing, currency hedging, and diversified funding sources.
  • Raw Material Risk: Establish long-term procurement agreements and explore vertical integration strategies.

4. Technology Selection & Feasibility

Low-Temperature Activation (LTA) Technology:

  • Carbonization: 450°C - 600°C under low-oxygen environment.
  • Activation: ≤ 700°C using steam or chemical agents (KOH, ZnCl, HPO).

Advantages:

  • 30% less energy consumption vs. high-temperature methods.
  • Microporous & mesoporous structure, high adsorption efficiency.
  • Utilization of sustainable feedstock.

Technology Providers (Local & International):

  • International: Jacobi Carbons, Norit, Ingevity.
  • Local: Indonesian R&D institutes and industrial technology providers.

5. Financial Feasibility

Investment Requirements (CAPEX):

  • Total: USD 11.5M - 16M (Initial Phase: 5,000 TPA)
  • Breakdown:
    • Survey & Site Selection: USD 320K
    • Land Acquisition & Preparation: USD 2M
    • Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC): USD 6.4M
    • Machinery & Equipment: USD 3.8M
    • Installation & Commissioning: USD 1.3M
    • Start-up & Initial Operations: USD 960K
    • Contingency Fund: USD 1.3M

Operational Costs (OPEX):

  • Breakdown:
    • Raw Materials: USD 12.8M/year
    • Labor & Salaries: USD 7.5M/year (adjusted for minimum salary of IDR 15M per month)
    • Utilities: USD 1.9M/year
    • Maintenance: USD 1.3M/year
    • Logistics & Distribution: USD 2.6M/year
    • Administrative & Overhead: USD 3.2M/year

Revenue & Profitability Projections:

  • Year 1 Revenue: USD 38.4M
  • Year 5 Revenue: USD 70.4M
  • Net Profit Margin: 25%
  • ROI: 30% per year
  • Break-Even Period: ~2.5 years

6. Project Management & Execution

Project Management Methodology:

  • Phase 1: 5,000 TPA (Year 1-2)
  • Phase 2: 15,000 TPA (Year 3-5)
  • Phase 3: 30,000 TPA (Year 6+)

Best Location in Indonesia:

  • Sumatra & Kalimantan (Abundant raw materials, logistics access, industrial incentives).

Construction & Contractor Management:

  • EPC Contractors: International & local firms specialized in activated carbon processing plants.
  • Commissioning & Quality Assurance: Third-party engineering firms.

7. Investment & Funding Strategy

Investment Breakdown:

  • Debt Financing: USD 7.7M loan over 10 years at 5% interest.
  • Equity Investment: 60% ownership to investors for 15 years.
  • Joint Ventures: Collaboration with industrial players for scalability.

Ownership Structure Proposal:

  • 100% Investor Funded.
  • Equity distribution: Investors (60%), Inisiator (30%), Key Employees (10%).

Exit Strategy:

  • IPO or acquisition by larger industry players within 10 years.

8. Management Structure & Workforce Planning

Organizational Structure:

Executive Management:

  • CEO / Managing Director
  • CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
  • COO (Chief Operating Officer)
  • CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
  • Director of Operations

Operational & Production Team:

  • Plant Manager (1)
  • Production Supervisors (3)
  • Quality Control Manager (1)
  • Quality Control Engineers (5)
  • Process Engineers (5)
  • Maintenance & Reliability Engineers (3)
  • Shift Operators (10)
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Manager (1)
  • Warehouse & Inventory Supervisors (3)
  • Safety & Compliance Officers (2)

Support Functions:

  • HR & Administration Manager (1)
  • Finance & Accounting Team (5)
  • IT & Systems Administrator (1)
  • Marketing & Sales Team (5)
  • Procurement & Vendor Relations (2)

Total Workforce Projection:

  • Phase 1 (5,000 TPA): 50 employees
  • Phase 2 (15,000 TPA): 120 employees
  • Phase 3 (30,000 TPA): 200+ employees

9. Strategic Business Enhancements

  • Industry Partnerships: Collaboration with research institutions and major industrial buyers.
  • Sustainability & ESG: Circular economy approach, carbon credit opportunities.
  • Digital Innovation: IoT and blockchain integration for smart manufacturing.
  • Market Diversification: Expansion to high-value applications (pharmaceuticals, energy storage).
  • Financial Hedging: Risk management for currency fluctuation and raw material pricing.

10. Conclusion

  • The LTA method is technically, financially, and environmentally feasible.
  • Strong market demand, sustainable technology, and high-profit margins make this project a viable long-term investment.
  • A scalable business model ensures growth from 5,000 TPA to 30,000 TPA.
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