Nov 30 2010
A 765 MW Geothermal Energy project is being developed by the Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE). According to PGE’s Director of Planning and Development, Zainat Ilmie Bachrun, this project is one initiative contributing to the long term energy development plans of producing 1342 MW by the year 2014.
The projects are located in Lumut Balai I and II (110 MW), Ulubelu I and II (110 MW), Lahendong V and VI (40 MW), Hulu Lais I and II (110 MW), Lahendong IV (20 MW), Sungai Penuh I (55 MW), Kotamobagu I and II (40 MW), Lumut Balai III and IV (110 MW), Karaha I (30 MW), Ulubelu III and IV (110 MW), and. Kamojang V (30 MW). PGE has not yet created any plans for the balance 307 MW to reach the 1,342 MW target.
Almost 40% of the global geothermal potential is concentrated in Indonesia. With more than 250 geothermal sites having a potential geothermal power of 28,000 MW. According to the Geothermal Energy Development’s Director Sugiharto Harsoprayitno, the geothermal projects development has encountered several problems mainly due to the price uncertainties. It was extremely difficult to arrive at an agreement for both the State owned Utility PLN and the geothermal investors.
PGE, a subsidiary company of PT Pertamina (Persero), was founded in the year 2006 for the development of 15 areas in Indonesia as Geothermal Business Working Areas, out of which 6 areas are exploited through JOC and a Joint Venture while the other 9 areas are under their own control.