Pertamina estimating potential in Bengkulu at 55 MW
Tes, Bengkulu, Indonesia (source: flickr/ sbamueller, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
13 Oct 2009
Pertamina has begun drilling activities to explore geothermal energy in Hulu Lais, Lebong, with potential estimated at 55 MW.
Reported locally, “State-owned oil company Pertamina began exploring geothermal energy sources in Bengkulu, such as in Hulu Lais village in Lebong regency. “Pertamina has begun drilling activities to explore geothermal energy in Hulu Lais, Lebong, which is estimated to contain 1 x 55 megawatt power,” Bengkulu Energy and Mineral Resources Office (ESDM) chief in charge of Energy, Ahyan Endu, said yesterday.
According to Ahyan, Pertamina began the drilling and infrastructure phase, which will take up to two years to complete. Meanwhile, to produce one megawatt of energy, the company must invest US$ 3 million, he said.
The Bengkulu Mining Office found three geothermal points, namely in Hulu Lais, Tambang Sawah and Bukit Danau villages in Lebong. “At present, only the geothermal source in Hulu Lais, which Pertamina has been granted an exploration permit, is cooperating with state-owned electricity company PLN,” Ahyan said.
The potential of the three geothermal sources vary. The Hulu Lais source was estimated to have a capacity production of 660 megawatt, while Tambang Sawah may produce only 250 megawatt and Bukit Danau 173 megawatt.”
Source: TempoInteractive
