Three firms eyeing N. Maluku geothermal concession

Thee local companies are competing for right to develop geothermal working area in Jailolo, North Maluku, with potential to be developed to 75-MW power plant, a government official said.

Director of geothermal utilization at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry Sugiharto Harsoprayitno told Petromindo.Com recently that the three companies are PLN?s subsidiary PT.Indonesia Power, Star Energy and ATPK Resources.

Sugiharto said the offering for Jailolo working area was conducted in Jakarta by North Maluku provincial government assisted by Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

He did not say when the winner would be announced.

Geothermal operators are required to pay royalties up to 2.5 percent of their revenue from electricity sales. The regional government will receive 80 percent of the royalties and the central government 20 percent.

Sugiharto added that another working area in East Nusa Tenggara called Sokoria would be offered soon. (bernard)