Geothermal energy is one of the renewable energy sources that have great potential in Indonesia. Geothermal from the bowels of the earth can be used for electricity, heating, and even industry. Different from the solar or wind that depends on the weather, geothermal can be used 24/7 because the geothermal geothermal. Indonesia has many volcanoes, meaning that the source of geothermal is very abundant. But there are still many who do not know about this energy or doubt the use because of lack of socialization. In fact, geothermal can be a solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Come on, acquaintances are more in this one green energy!
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Geothermal energy potential in Indonesia
Indonesia geothermal energy giant still sleeping. We have 40% of the world’s geothermal potentialor around 23.9 gw—The second is the second after America. But until now, new 2.1 I utilized (ESDM, 2023). In fact, from Sabang to Merauke, there is 331 geothermal spots which can be developed.
Areas like Kamojang (West Java), Ulubelu (Lampung)And Lahendong (North Sulawesi) It’s been an example of successful geothermal use. But there are still many other spots that have not been touched, including on Sumatran-Jawa-Bali-Nusa Tenggara volcanic pathway who have world -class geothermal. Mount Sibayak (North Sumatra) just have a reservoir temperature 240 ° C.temporary Darajat (West Java) can be 270 MW of electricity production (Thinkgeoengyy, 2022).
The problem? Exploration infrastructure is expensivecomplicated regulations, and sometimes the resistance of the surrounding community. But if managed right, geothermal can reduce imports of BBM and open new jobs. For example, PLTP Sarulla (North Sumatra) who can supply electricity for 1.3 million houses At the same time reducing emissions 1.1 million tons of co₂ per year (Irena, 2021).
The cool one, this energy Don’t know the season– different from PLTS or PLTB that depend on the weather. So, if Indonesia is seriously working on geothermal, It could be the main player of clean energy in Southeast Asia. But yes … need big investment and political will the strong one. How? Still doubt our geothermal potential?
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How geothermal power plants work
Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) Like Magic Sciencebut actually the principle is simple: benefit hot steam from the bowels of the earth to make turbines. Here’s the workflow:
- Exploration & Drilling: First, searched for a location with a source of geothermal (usually near volcano or fault). Drilled until depth 1-3 km To make a steam reservoir or hot water. If you meet the temperature 150-300 ° C.means ready to be developed (ultrasound).
- Steam production: If the source Dominant vapor fluid (Like Di Kamojang), steam is directly channeled to the turbine. If dominant hot water (like in Lahendong), using the system Binary Cycle– Hot water is channeled to the heat exchanger to produce the second steam from working fluids such as Isobutana (Energy.gov).
- Turbine rotation: This high pressure steam Turbin turbine which connects to the generator. The result? Electricity! The system is similar to a power plant, but without burning coal/oil – so Co₂ emissions are only 10% from PLTU (IEA).
- Condensation & reinjection: Residual steam is cooled back into water, continue Injisified again into the reservoir Through reinjection wells. This is the system sustain and does not make a land subsidence.
Real example? PLTP Wayang Windu (West Java) can production 227 MW Electricity uses a system Flash Steamtemporary Ulubelu PLTP use a combination Binary + Flash. Cool, PLTP efficiency can reach 90% if the reservoir is stable (
That Hidden Gem Indonesia – The potential is big, stable, and far cleaner than fossils. But for the maximum, we need Accelerate explorationsimplifying regulations, and public education about the benefits. Challenges such as high costs and environmental impacts are there, but there are already many technological solutions that can minimize risk. With geothermal, we can Reduce the import of energy while pressing emissions– without need to wait for futuristic breakthroughs like Fusion Reactor. Realistic, sustainable, and ready to use now. So, let’s seriously get the geothermal before this potential is “harvested” of other countries! 🔥🇮🇩
