Sustainable Geothermal Utilization for Outstanding Universal Value Sustainability

Abstract

The Indonesian National Energy Policy year 2014 mandates that energy resources are prioritized for national development. It also requires contribution from new energy and renewable energy, including geothermal energy, for electricity. Geothermal power plants are expected to generate 7.2 GW by 2025 and 9.3 GW by 2030. Geothermal energy has become clean, environmentally friendly, reliable, and sustainable energy. The development of geothermal energy does not require extensive land. Then during operation, the utilization of geothermal energy can synergy with the surrounding ecosystems. Based on Indonesian law, geothermal development can be carried out in forest areas including conservation forest. It was permitted in National Parks, Great Forest Parks and Nature Parks. However, several National Parks in Sumatra Island have been designated by UNESCO in 2004 as the World Heritage namely Tropical Rain-forest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS) consisting of Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP), Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP), and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP). The three national parks have geothermal resources reaching 2.6 GW which are feasible to be developed as electricity sources needed in the region. But until now its potential has not been utilized because the UNESCO World Heritage Committee still categorizes geothermal energy as a mining activity that cannot be carried out in World Heritage areas. The operational and management of geothermal energy in Indonesia must apply best engineering practices in terms of ecology, environment, social and economy. It can be shown by the commitment of international financial institutions that have high standards in the environment and social issues to support the financing of geothermal projects. And as the result, Environment and Forestry Ministry of Indonesia has awarded the highest achievement in environmental management to geothermal companies since 1995. The awards are received for Kamojang, Salak, Darajat, and Wayang Windu geothermal areas. Environmental management in geothermal operation areas have to take into account of: land use, air quality, water use, and biodiversity. In addition, geothermal operations in Indonesia have also been implemented in the form of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and Green Corridor Initiatives. This shows that geothermal energy utilization has followed the sustainability of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) which is become a major concern in the world heritage.