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JAKARTA. Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) launched the biggest geothermal energy in the world investment program assisted by New Zealand Government and the World Bank. New Zealand Government provided grant for US$ 6, 95 million for technical assistance, while the World Bank provided funding for US$ 300 million to develop 150 megawatts for Sumatera and Sulawesi, Monday (18/6/2012).
“Indonesia will benefit significantly by the bigger and environmentally friendly capacity of electricity supply. The World Bank is so proud to be able to support an effort to expand the utilization of renewable energy in this country,” said Stefan Koeberle, the World Bank Country Director for Indonesia. “Globally, we have an immediate need to move to low carbon and environmentally friendly development. Indonesian contribution towards the effort will be very significant because Indonesia has the biggest geothermal potency in the world.
Currently geothermal energy is the only one technology that is able to replace coal-based power. Geothermal energy is clean and reliable energy resources, and available in areas in which energy need becoming more significant and increasing. The projects funded by the World Bank are located in Sumatera and Sulawesi.
“Indonesia will expand the development of geothermal energy and PGE is in the forefront of the effort,” said David Taylor, the Ambassador of New Zealand for Indonesia. “As the fellow geothermal energy developer state, New Zealand is so happy to assist PGE and generally to Indonesian geothermal industry.”
“We can not deny the importance of the World Bank and New Zealand assistance in this growth and transitional condition,” said Slamet Riadhy, the President Director of PGE. “Together, we will fulfill our obligation to Indonesia in developing geothermal resource.”
Technical assistance funded by grant of New Zealand will strengthen the capability of PGE through training, science exchange and capacity development. New Zealand will also support wider industry through Geothermal Industry Assistance Program, which is in preparation phase.
As a state having the biggest geothermal potency, Indonesia do have chance to fulfill its energy need with geothermal. Geothermal potency in Indonesia spread in 276 point, with its total potency for 29.038 MW (Geological Agency, December 2010) or 40% of the world geothermal potency. Up to now only 4% of it are utilized for power plant (1.196 MW). (AK)
