GEOLOGICAL AGENCY OF INDONESIA’S EXPLORATION STRATEGY ON NON-VOLCANIC GEOTHERMAL AREAS

Abstract

Indonesia is endowed by abundant geothermal energy resources, mostly located along volcanic belts. From the total of 324 locations, with estimated geothermal resource potential of about 29 GW, 30% are in non-volcanic areas distributed in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and Papua. Currently, the 1436 MW electricity installed capacity generated from geothermal energy is from only 10 locations all associated with a volcanic environment. The geothermal installed capacity is only 5% of the estimated total potential and contributes only 2.9% of the total installed capacity in Indonesia. Indonesia is targeting geothermal energy to contribute 8.97% of the energy mix for electricity generation by 2025. From the projection of 2015-2024 electricity demand, there will be a significant increase in the eastern part of Indonesia where there is currently a low electricity demand and ratio. It seems there is a chance to accelerate utilization of geothermal energy especially in areas where there are no other energy resources.
Since 2001 the Geological Agency of Indonesia (GAI) has increased the budget allocation in focusing more detailed 3G survey works on non-volcanic geothermal areas and some of them have already been drilled to get temperature gradient data at depth. These exploration results are expected to enhance the data quality in supporting the delineation of working areas. The more accurate preliminary data will indeed minimize risks in further exploration and development that possibly may be conducted by private parties.