Indonesia eyes investment in geothermal

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) opened on Monday an international geothermal congress in Bali, which is expected to pave the way for more investment in geothermal development.

During his opening speech, SBY said that Indonesia is aiming to become the world?s geothermal power producer in the next few years. He invited companies to come to Indonesia to develop the country?s geothermal potential.

Separately, Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Geothermal (API) Surya Darma said that "The World Geothermal Congress is important to woo investment in the geothermal sector."

Indonesia is home to 40 percent of the world's geothermal reserves.

He said geothermal was an answer to the need of environment-friendly energy. He added that the conference would raise global awareness of geothermal energy as the right choice amid the warming earth.

Geothermal reserves in Indonesia could generate 28,000 megawatts in electricity, but only less than 1,200 MW or 3 percent has been produced.

Representatives from 85 countries are participating in the three-day congress. Over 1,300 papers will be presented in the congress themed "Geothermal: The Energy to Change the World". (alex)