Indonesia to increase geothermal energy production

Indonesia intends to tap into its geothermal potential to replace fossil-based fuels.

Research and Technology Minister Gusti Hatta said Indonesia has harnessed only 2% of its total geothermal potential, while Indonesia’s geothermal resources account for 40% of the world’s geothermal potential.

He noted that geothermal energy production had taken place in North Sulawesi and West Java.

PT Medco Power Indonesia plans to operate a US$390.9 million geothermal power plant in Ijen Crater in East Java in 2016. The Ijen plant is expected to produce 2 x 55 megawatts of electricity.

“With the development of the geothermal potential, energy supplies needed for industrial activities in Banyuwangi will be available,” Abdullah said.

East Java has 11 geothermal resource locations, including Ngebel in Ponorogo regency with an energy potential of 1,100 MW.

More geothermal resources have been found in the Songgoriti Mountains in Batu, Malang regency, and around Mount Pandan in Madiun regency.