Identifying and Assessing Geohazards in Indonesia Geothermal Area: How Difficult Is it?

Abstract

Indonesian geology that is formed by a complex of tectonic plate settings, subduction processes and lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire are not only give a vast geothermal energy potential but also high risk of geohazard that could occurs during geothermal exploration and development activities. Failure in identifying risks of geohazard in early phase of geothermal development plan might cause some problems and catastrophic events such as damages on bridge, well pad, road access, skewed pipeline, well leaks or broken, impairment of power plant facilities, and following cessation of electricity production. Moreover, these events also could impact the nature or environment surrounding the field and results fatality or loss of human lives. Therefore, it is very critical to have a well - structured and comprehensive method as a guide to identify and mitigate the geohazard risks. The aim of this study is to gathers and reviews various geohazards in Indonesia geothermal prospect area. Several literatures, author’s previous studies and records about various possible geohazard cases that have and possibly happen in Indonesia geothermal area are reviewed in this study.