Geothermal direct use implementations and its potential developments in North Sulawesi

Abstract

Indonesia is located in the ring of fire area, associated with an enormous potential for geothermal resources, including North Sulawesi. The government is currently focusing on generating electrical power from geothermal resources. Lahendong geothermal power plant is the first geothermal project in the east of Indonesia, operated since 2001 and generating 20 MWe. Currently, Lahendong is supplying 20 MWe from each of 6 units to the SULUT-GO (North Sulawesi and Gorontalo) electrical network. Also, there is a small-scale power plant using a binary cycle with a capacity of 0.5 MWe. In many locations, North Sulawesi is also known for its Geotourism, such as at Bukit Kasih, Danau Linauw, Bukit Pinus and other hot swimming pools.
Geothermal energy is also utilised by Yayasan Masarang in producing palm sugar. Another development is being carried out in drying agricultural foods. With the considerable potential for geothermal direct use to support tourism and agriculture, further developments need to be considered.