Application of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) to Geothermal Energy Reources; Experiences from Six Greenfield Projects in Flores Island, Indonesia

Abstract

In 2016, International Geothermal Association (IGA) Resource and Reserve Ad Hoc committee (R & R) released a new geothermal energy classification framework. This classification is adopted from UNFC-2009 (United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources) which is a globally recognized and accepted scheme applicable to a wide range of energy and earth resource types such as hydrocarbon and minerals. UNFC-2009 is a generic principle-based system in which quantities are classified by three fundamental criteria, which are combined in a three-dimensional system. Those criteria are (1) Geology knowledge, (2) Project fesibility and (3) Socio-economic viability, they are known as G, F and E criteria respectively. The classification was implemented in 2016, since then, various case studies have been carried out to test the maturity of the classification. In 2018, IGA R & R requested Geothermal Community in Indonesia which is represented by ITB, Geological Agency and PLN to implement this classification to six (6) greenfield geothermal projects and two (2) brownfields geothermal project in Flores Island, Indonesia. This paper will describe the experience on using the classification to six greenfields geothermal project namely Atadei, Oka-Ile Ange, Lesugolo, Wae Sano, G. Sirung and Rana Masak. These areas are mentioned as greenfields projects because the geothermal energy resources, although it is indicated, not clearly defined. The geothermal systems occur in these areas but the resources are not known precisely. This is because the exploration program is still at the early stage. The most advanced exploration activities are mostly shallow gradient wells. There are several problem encountered during classifying the project based on the three criteria mentioned above such as data mostly sparse and minimum but quite enough for geosciences data. However, data related to detail of projects are not available, as there are no owner with working license for the area of interest. Consequently, project definition cannot be confidently outlined, for example information about purpose of project, energy conversion process, actual plan, and project lifetime. The objective of this paper is to share the experience of implementing UNFC classification to geothermal energy resources in order to optimize the classification and to solve similar problem for other areas.