PLN signs MoU for geothermal development

State-owned electricity company PT PLN on Friday signed an MoU with five stakeholders including PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE), Gajah Mada University, North Sulawesi Provincial administration, Sam Ratulangi University, and Manado University for cooperation in the development of geothermal energy in the province.

PLN said in a statement that the three-year MoU was signed on the sidelines of the ?First Indonesian Geothermal Festival,? in Tomohon, North Sulawesi, which was attended by New Zealand Ambassador in Indonesia Trevor Matheson, and top officials of North Sulawesi, PLN, PGE, and the thee universities.

Under the MoU, PLN and the five stakeholders agreed for cooperation in the area of research, education, community development and other programs to promote the development of geothermal resources in North Sulawesi, where currently the Lahendong unit 1-4 geothermal power plants with combined capacity of 80 MW operate.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak