Berita

Preliminary studies carried out by the Ministry of Research and Technology in conjunction with the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) has found that there are more than 200 MW worth of diesel powerplants in West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, and North Maluku which may be substituted by small scale geothermal powerplants.  This substitution may save a total of 200.000 KL per year, or in excess of Rp. 1 Trillion per year (electricity subsidies in 2009 have cost the government Rp. 51,9 trillion).

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources have set a target in their roadmap stating the total target of geothermal energy development up to 2025 totals 9.000 MW which is divided into several phases; 2.000 MWe (2008), 3.442 MWe (2012), 4.600 MWe (2016), and 9500 MWe (2025).  Out of these targets, geothermal energy have only been developed to supply a total of 1.189 W (4.3%) of electricity.  Without this electricity development acceleration program, the stated targets above will be impossible to reach.

To reach this target, the government has divided into 2 scale of usage, large scale (high enthalpy) from large scale powerplants, and small scale utilization (low to medium enthalpy) which includes the generator model currently being developed by the BPPT Geothermal Unit.

The unavailability of a tried and proven technology have forced BPPT to innovate and develop technology which may be used to develop small scale geothermal potentials for electricity generation.  This energy may then be used to power tools during the development of geothermal field.  Development of binary cycle powerplants in Lahendong, North Sulawesi began in the late 90’s.  As this project is carried out in collaboration with France, all of the components are still imported.  This is different from current situations where the vast majority of equipments are locally made.

Binary cycle powerplants are currently in a pilot project scheme, with future plans for a n extra 1MW which is divided in to several phases, explains the Director of Central Conversion and Conservation. (TC)