Development of Direct Use Application by BPPT

Abstract

Beside for generating electricity, geothermal energy can also be utilized directly in such processes as heating, drying, sterilization, pasteurization, heated swimming pool and hot springs; also known as direct use applications of the geothermal energy. Direct use application in Indonesia commonly uses geothermal resources with low to medium enthalpy (<150ºC) which usually not economical if used for electricity generation. Utilization of geothermal energy in Indonesia is primarily for generating electricity, while the lower enthalpy is used for direct use (non-electricity) applications, which had began more than ten years ago.
Several years ago, a group of researchers from the national research and technology agency (BPPT) began to investigate methods for applying geothermal energy in agricultural sectors, particularly to sterilize the growing agent used in mushroom cultivation as a pilot project. This technology is used in Kamojang-field, West Jawa, which places geothermal energy as substitute for kerosene to fuel boilers. Furthermore, BPPT has also developed the direct use application in Way Ratai – Lampung, South Sumatera for drying process of coconut and cocoa. The energy resource in this area uses natural geothermal wells with surface temperature around 92-95ºC.