PGE, Geothermal New Zealand sign MoU
Wednesday, April 18 2012 - 03:29 AM WIB
PT Pertamina Geothermal Energi (PGE) and Geothermal New Zealand (GEONZ) in Jakarta on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding on the cooperation on geothermal development in Indonesia.
PGE announced in Jakarta this morning that the signing ceremony was witnessed by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik, and New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser.
Based on the MoU, the energy cooperations will include the development of geothermal laboratory; researches on geology, geophysics, common regional reserves, assistance for implementation of acid brine treatment in Lahendong field; assistance for quality improvement of PGE?s human resources that will include trainings and further education in the university of Auckland; and facilitate cooperation among Indonesian and New Zealand geothermal companies.
The signing of the MOU was a follow-up to cooperation agreement on geothermal between the Indonesian ministry of energy and mineral resources and the New Zealand trade ministry that was signed before heads of government of both countries in the state palace on Tuesday.
Indonesia has an abundant reserve of geothermal in 276 regions across the archipelago, but only 1,226 megawatt (MW) or about 5 percent of the total potential that had been tapped so far. Cooperation to develop geothermal had been once implemented by both countries during the period of 1972?1980. The latest MOU signed on Tuesday is the second stage of such cooperation aimed to expedite the development of geothermal in Indonesia.
It is hoped that in the future Indonesia can generate up to 12,000 MW electricity from its geothermal potential as part of efforts to improve its fuel mix and be rid of the use of expensive fossil-based fuel oil, by the year 2025.
Commenting on the MoU, PGE President Director Slamet Riyadi said in Jakarta on Tuesday that the MoU would facilitate his company in improving its geothermal capability.
Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.