Indonesia, New Zealand sign 5-year partnership for geothermal development
Indonesia and New Zealand have signed a new 5-year partnership for a development programme that aims to maximize the potential of Indonesia’s geothermal resources.
The long-established relationship between Indonesia and New Zealand was one of the focal points highlighted during the 2024 Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition held in Jakarta. This culminated in the announcement of the Indonesia-Aotearoa New Zealand Geothermal Energy Programme / Kerjasama Panas Bumi Indonesia – Aotearoa New Zealand (PINZ).
The PINZ is a five-year development programme, running from 2024-2029, focusing on the provision of technical assistance and capacity building for Indonesia to increase the contribution of geothermal energy and meet the country’s climate change commitments and renewable energy targets. The agreement is between the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Manatu Aorere (MFAT) and the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR).
The programme will deliver its targets within the scope of the following three areas:
- Sector policy, regulation, and planning support. The component will provide technical inputs from geothermal sector planning, policy setting, regulations, and standards.
- Planning, executing, and recalibrating exploration drilling for Government of Indonesia-led geothermal exploration and project preparation. This component will provide targeted geoscience support for progressing geothermal exploration projects and preparing geothermal power and direct use projects for commercial development.
- Increasing geothermal workforce skill and capacity. This component will facilitate vocational training courses for geothermal technicians and plant operators delivered by selected Indonesian polytechnics, from curricula and training material previously developed. It will also provide geothermal related short course training and group workshops delivered in Indonesia to address gaps and introduce new relevant subjects.
Under MFAT’s International Development Cooperation (IDC), PINZ will deliver NZD15.64 million (approx. USD 9.8 million) in geothermal technical assistance, building on the success of MFAT’s previous IDC geothermal support programmes: Acceleration of Geothermal Development in Indonesia Activity (Geo-INZ), and NZ Support for Technical Training in the Indonesia Geothermal Sector (NZSTIGS).
The long-term outcomes of the PINZ programme include:
- Indonesia’s geothermal potential for power and heat supply is developed;
- Indonesia’s geothermal sector has the skills and experience to meet its increasing demand for technical services;
- Geothermal sector partnerships between Indonesia and New Zealand are mutually beneficial and enduring.
“Across industries and borders, Aotearoa New Zealand’s cleantech companies are innovating with care to deliver world-leading, purposeful solutions for a better tomorrow. New Zealand is proud to share its geothermal expertise with Indonesia, a nation with extraordinary geothermal potential,” said Cecilia Shand, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Indonesia.
“As both countries navigate their energy transitions, the collaboration between Indonesia and New Zealand is a model of mutual benefit. We are committed to supporting Indonesia in realizing its geothermal ambitions through shared knowledge, cutting-edge technology, and strong business partnerships.”
Source: Email correspondence
