Jakarta—A joint initiative involving PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) and PT PLN Indonesia Power (PLN IP) through a strategic partnership scheme involves implementing innovations in the utilisation of renewable energy. One of them is adopting co-generation technology in Geothermal Power Plants (PLTP) with a total capacity of 230 Megawatts (MW), allowing the utilisation of waste heat from PLTP to be converted into additional electrical energy.
A number of Geothermal Working Areas (WKP) have been identified as prime development locations, including Lahendong, Ulubelu, Lumut Balai, Hululais, Kamojang, Sibayak, and Sungai Penuh.
Director General of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE), Eniya Listiani Dewi, emphasised that Indonesia’s geothermal potential is estimated at 24 gigawatts (GW) and should be optimised in the next few decades.
“One of the breakthroughs that we encourage is co-generation technology that utilises residual steam from PLTP using the binary cycle model,” Eniya said in a written statement Tuesday, September 10.
Binary cycle is a technology commonly used in geothermal power plants. In this process, a working fluid with a low boiling point, such as isobutane or pentane, is used to generate additional electricity. Geothermal vapour flows through this fluid, evaporating and driving a turbine. In addition to generating electricity, the remaining heat can be utilised for heating or industrial needs, making the process more efficient.
PGE and PLN have signed several strategic agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Joint Development Agreement (JDA). The 2024-2033 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL) will also include the project.
“We believe this co-generation project will contribute significantly to increasing the national renewable energy mix and needs to be prioritized in the upcoming RUPTL,” Eniya added.
With strong cooperation between the government and energy companies, implementing this co-generation technology is expected to help maximise geothermal energy’s potential in Indonesia and support the government’s target to achieve a greater renewable energy mix by 2060. (Hartatik)
