Geo Dipa reports work accident at Dieng geothermal project

PT Geo Dipa Energi reported there had been a work accident on Monday at the Dieng geothermal project in Central Java, hurting several workers.

The company said in a statement that steam pipeline connection from the flense flow tee within the wellhead series of the HCE 3A well located in Karangtengah Village, Batur District, Banjarnegara Regency, was detached, causing blasts of hot steam, affecting six workers, who were immediately rushed to local hospitals.

The blast has also caused panic among local farmers working nearby, the statement added. Eight farmers affected by the panic were treated at a local clinic.

The company said that it has managed to stop the bursts of steam, by closing the master valve at the wellhead, and that the situation has now been declared as safe. Geo Dipa is currently working on recovery process.

Geo Dipa operates the Dieng geothermal working area. Total potential energy within the Dieng area is estimated at 300 MWe. The company, which has been operating the Dieng geothermal power plant unit 1, is currently in the process of developing Dieng Unit 2 and 3, each with capacity of 60 MWe.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak