Bedugul Geothermal Prospect and Developments

Abstract

Bedugul is in the center of Bali and north of Denpasar. A geothermal area exists there. The area is about 70-90 km2 and is bordered mainly from geophysics and geology investigations. Part of the area was proven by the exploration of two deep wells BEL-03 and BEL-02, and core-hole TCH-04. It is inside Bratan's caldera structure. Therefore, the proven area of geothermal prospect is then defined to be about 8 km2. The area may conserve energy of about 80 MWe for 30 years since its power density is equal to 10MW each km2. Bali Energy Limited (BEL) will promote a small power of 10 MWe in 2006 to initiate another large 3 x 55 MWe power for the future.

Geothermal energy is a prospective alternative energy that would be used for generating electricity for Balinese desire. Its products should only have a small affect on the environment, and they may increase the existing tourism.

The Balinese have a one management island concept called seamount union. Whenever one changes the mount environment, the sea environment will change. Bedugul is a part of the attractive tourist area in Bali. Therefore when developing a geothermal area in Bedugul, it is necessary to follow the wishes of the Balinese. For example: by keeping Bali clean, the environment is sustained and at the end of the project tourism will have increased.

BEL previously anticipated the need for developing geothermal energy in Bali by conducting an energy workshop in 1977. Recently, BEL has begun introducing geothermal energy to the Balinese.