Jakarta – Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), is officially designated a Geothermal Island by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) through Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Decree No. 2268 K/MEM/2017. Chairman of the Energy Institute for Transition (EITS), Godang Sitompul, expressed his support for this designation, emphasising that the move aligns with the roadmap for accelerating the renewable energy mix contained in Presidential Regulation No. 112/2022.
“We find that the energy transition process of the electricity sector in Flores is in line with the development of geothermal potential in Ulumbu, Manggarai Regency,” Godang said in a written statement on Wednesday, July 24.
The Ulumbu Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) development in Manggarai has produced up to 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
“The addition of the electricity network in Poco Leok for the development of the Ulumbu 5-6 geothermal power plant must be done immediately for adequate electricity supply,” he added.
Godang explained that the development of environmentally friendly power plants is one of the National Strategic Projects (PSN) listed in the 2021-2030 General Plan for Electricity Supply (RUPTL), which prioritises the use of Renewable Energy (NRE) by 51 per cent.
EITS also considers that the development of PLTP is feasible in locations with geothermal potential to help the availability of electricity in the region.
“The community development aspect is also a special concern for geothermal developers,” said Godang.
He hopes the local community will support the geothermal power plant to produce environmentally friendly and beneficial electricity for their lives.
In addition, PLN as the developer of the geothermal generation sector in Flores, has fostered several farmer groups around the Ulumbu geothermal power plant area. This step aims to increase the independence of farmers and enrich farming commodities in the geothermal working area.
“Thus, the electricity generated can be utilised together for a better and environmentally friendly life,” Godang concluded. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Volcanic system in South Iceland (Hornstrandir1/Wikimedia Commons)
