Muara Enim regency plans to develop geothermal power plant

Muara Enim regency in South Kalimantan plan to build a geothermal power plant in Penindaian village in the regency?s Samendo district to cope with the acute shortage of the electricity supply in the regency, Sriwijaya Post reported on Monday.

State owned oil and gas company Pertamina would begin the development of geothermal resource in the area next year to support the planned geothermal power plant. For the first step, Pertamina would develop four geothermal wells, each with capacity of between 10 and 15 MW.

The project?s officer. Joko Sulastri, said in Palembang over the weekend that the geothermal project was expected to be able to generate 60 MW electricity supply. He said that based on survey carried out in 1993, the geothermal reserves are feasible enough to meet the growing need of power supply in the regency.

Joko said that the project would be begun next year and it was expected to be completed in 2007. Pertamina has a target to develop 17 geothermal wells. (*)