New minister vows to boost geothermal power, CBM
Friday, October 23 2009 - 12:24 PM WIB
?We want to increase (the production of) geothermal power so that our power plans will be less dependent on oil. We shall review the obstacles caused by regulations and we shall remove obstacles so that the development of geothermal power can accelerated,? Darwin said.
?We already know that of the total capacity that will be developed in the Phase Two 10,000 MW program, 4,700 MW will be fired by geothermal steam. SBY (President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono) does not want the use of coal in the Phase Two program,? he said.
Darwin said his office would formulate regulations for the development of coal bed methane (CBM) that the country can start producing the fuel in 2011.
As part of his 100-day program, he will review and revamp the nation?s energy mix main plan, prepare an electricity strategic plan for the 2015-2025 period and a strategic plan for petrochemical industry.
?The strategic energy mix grand plan as well as the electricity strategic plan should be completed by March 2010,? Darwin said.
With regards his plan for oil and gas sector, Darwin said he needed first to talk with state owned oil and gas firm PT Pertamina before making one.
?We shall make a synchronization steps with Pertamina. The details will be formulated day after day. It is impossible to set a target without first knowing latest reports,? he said. (Kanti)