Direct Application of Steam Geothermal for Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus) Cultivation in Kamojang Geothermal Field, Indonesia

Abstract

Geothermal energy utilization for electricity is still developed and the meantime the direct use of geothermal is still being pursued. Kamojang Geothermal field has 200 MWe installed capacity and 30 MWe developing capacity. Farming communities around kamojang geothermal field has been cultivated Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) using Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fuel for sterilization of mushroom growing medium. In order to enhance the local community\'s economy with the direct utilization of geothermal energy, Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) designed and developed the simple heat exchanger using steam from existing steam pipeline as a heat source. Heat exchanger boil the fresh water and generate steam at a constant temperature (110 Deg Celcius) for mushroom growing sterilization process, so the mushroom spores growth more quickly and the level of maturity baglog more perfect. The Cultivation project with Geothermal Steam in Kamojang was undertaken by PGE involving mushroom farmers communities around the Kamojang geothermal field operation. Expected that, the farmers communities can convert of LPG usage that cost IDR 600/baglog to steam and improve the quality of sterilization process. Another advantage is the dependence of traditional mushroom farmer on fossil fuel (LPG ) as well as dealing with the global warming issue.