Potential Environmental and Social Impacts of Small Scale, Rural Geothermal Development

Abstract

Recent studies and exploration of small scale 5 rural geothermal development potential in Eastern Indonesia have established baseline data to assess the potential environmental and social impacts if such developments progress to production stage. The potential environmental impacts of the Ulumbu Mini-Geothermal development were minimised because of the small 'footprint' of the drilling operations and the short-term abstraction of water from the local river. A watershed management plan was recommended to investigate how activities can continue without sacrificing the environment. The potential social impacts were identified and efforts were made to promote community involvement and address any issues raised. Road diversions and of a water supply and sanitation system were carried out on behalf of the project for the local community. Small scale, rural geothermal developments present an opportunity in which many groups and communities can benefit whilst minimising the detrimental impact on the environmentand the local inhabitants.