PGE to start exploration in Bukit Daun geothermal area this month

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) plans to start exploration at a geothermal working area in Bukit Daun, which spans Rejang Lebong and Legong Regencies, Bengkulu Province, in the middle of this month.

PGE President Director Irfan Zainuddin was quoted by Kontan.co.id as saying late last week that the company has set up the required infrastructure activities to drill the first well. ?We predict there?s a potential of about 90 MW in Bukit Daun.?

He said that the Bukit Daun geothermal area is the company?s second geothermal project in Bengkulu Province after the Hululais geothermal area, in Lebong Regency, where the company has already drilled seven wells.

Irfan said that both the Hululais and Bukti Daun geothermal power plant projects are targeted to start electricity production in 2024 with combined capacity of 310 MW, not only enough to meet power demand in Bengkulu, but also plans to be hooked with the Sumatra grid system. (*)