Direct Use Of Geothermal Energy For Drying Agricultural Products and Making Palm Sugar Crystal

Abstract

Potential Geothermal Indonesia is approximately 40% of the world\'s geothermal potential of 27,000 MW and spread over most of the islands and about 815 MWe identified in the northern part of the island of Sulawesi , that is Lahendong Geothermal Power Plant located in Tomohon City in the moment with an installed capacity of 80 MW. Geothermal energy utilization for electrification still developed, but the use of direct support for the agricultural industry is still being pursued. Tomohon City with high rainfall, is a frequent problem faced by farmers for drying the product, as well as the limitations of the fuel for the manufacture of palm sugar crystals obstacles facing shortage of fuel wood dwindling availability, as well as dealing with the issue of global warming in which one just went reforestation effort is. In connection with these two issues, direct utilization of geothermal energy in order to enhance the local community\'s economy already in trials for drying agricultural and forestry products such as Chili, Corn, Vanilli, Copra and Wood for furniture as well as on the process of making brown sugar crystals from sugar palm sap. To note that, the factory making palm sugar crystals using geothermal energy in Tomohon is the only plant existing in the world. The results obtained are very satisfactory, so the effort for the development towards more economical under review. Expected that, local communities can benefit directly of geothermal energy to extend the endurance to keep, improve quality and make new innovations for local agricultural and forestry products to boost the economy and support the food security of the nation. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Researcher at R & D Institute, North Sulawesi Regional Develpoment Planing Board, ** Head of North Sulawesi Regional Develpoment Planing Board