Indonesia plans to tap into its geothermal potential for use as an energy source, replacing fossil-based fuels, which are becoming depleted.
Research and Technology Minister Gusti M. Hatta made these comments when he opened the second Senior Officials Meeting at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (SOM 2 APEC) summit, entitled “Policy Partnership on Science Technology and Innovation”, in Surabaya on Tuesday.
“Currently, we have tapped only 2 percent of our total geothermal potential, while Indonesia’s geothermal resources account for 40 percent of the world’s geothermal potential,” said Gusti, adding that geothermal energy production had taken place in North Sulawesi and West Java.
Speaking separately, Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas said that PT Medco Power Indonesia planned to operate a Rp 3.8 trillion (US$390.9 million) geothermal-powered electricity plant (PLTP) in Ijen Crater in Banyuwangi, East Java, in 2016. The Ijen PLTP is expected to produce an estimated 2 x 55 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
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