Govt announces new geothermal working areas

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announced on Monday three new geothermal working areas that will be available for grabs in tenders.

Under the existing regulations, the ministry through decrees decides geothermal working areas after consulting with regional governments. But the local governments will handle the tender of the working areas.

The three workings areas are Rajabasa Mount working area in South Lampung, which is believed to have potential resources of 91 MW; Banten Lake Caldera working area in Serang and Pandeglang, Banten (115 MW); Sumawa working area in Bone Bolango and Gorontotalo City, Gorontalo (110 MW), Director General of Mineral, Coal and Geothermal Bambang Setiawan said.

Last year, the ministry issued decrees on nine working areas, that is:

1. Atadei in Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara, which is believed to have potential resources of 40 MW.

2. Songa Wayuna in South Halmahera, Maluku (140 MW)

3. Marana in Donggala, Central Sulawesi (36 MW)

4. Sorik Merapi-Roburan-Sampuraga in Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra (200 MW)

5. Bukit Kili in Solok and Solok city, West Sumatra (83 MW)

6. Sipoholon Ria Ria in North Tapanuli, North Sumatra (75 MW)

7. Hu?u Daha in Dompu, West Nusa Tenggaraa (65 MW)

8. Blawen-Ijen in Bondowoso, Banyuwangi, Situbondo, East Java (270 MW); and

9. Gunung Talang in Solok, West Sumatera (36 MW). (Bernard)