Geothermal power plant planned in Sabang

PT Sabang Geothermal Energy (SGE) plans to develop an 80 MW geothermal power plant in Sabang, Aceh, to help meet growing power demand in the area, Investor Daily reported on Thursday.

The paper quoted Nurdin, a representative of SGE, as saying that the company plans to carry out drilling programs in early December of this year.

He, however, acknowledged that the company has yet to obtain the necessary permit to use forest area as the project is located within the Jaboi protected forest in Sabang,

Sabang Mayor Zulkifli H. Adam welcomes the project, saying that it would help increase power supply in the area, which is seen crucial to lure new investment into the local maritime, tourism, and shipping sectors. He vowed to help speed up permitting and land acquisition process for the project.

Meanwhile, London-based Green Energy Geothermal (GEG) said that it has the necessary cheap technology required for the planned Sabang geothermal power plant that would not cause harm to the forest ecosystem in Jaboi.

David Hunter, Business Development Director of GEG, said that by using the company?s technology turn-key geothermal well-head power plant technology, the project can be completed relatively quickly, just within 12 months.(*)