“If everything goes as planned, our mining capacity will soon reach 1,908 megawatts, which is more than that of the Philippines,” Yunus said.
“We hope to catch up with the United States in 2021.” – he said, adding that the superpower is unlikely to extend its geothermal capability.
Next month, the sixth unit shall be launched on the Lahendong geothermal power plant in North Sulawesi, increasing its capability by 20 megawatts.
The 255-megawatt Sarulla geothermal power plant in North Tapanuli, North Sumatra, will even open next month.
The power plant is being developed by Medco Power Indonesia, Japan’s Itochu Corporation and US company Ormat Technologies.
Indonesia has a complete of 28,994 megawatts of geothermal energy reserves – the biggest on the earth – but conflicting regulations, a sophisticated pricing system and opposition from local communities hamper their effective use.
The government’s recent decision to permit the exploitation of geothermal energy in protected areas – a successful practice learned from the Philippines – will likely speed up this process and prove that environmental protection and energy production can go hand in hand.
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