Toba Samosir geothermal field will soon be auctioned

The mining and energy office of the North Sumatra provincial administration will auction in the first quarter of this year a geothermal field in Toba Samosir which is estimated to have capacity to produce electricity of up to 150 megawatt, Bisnis Indonesia reported on Friday.

The Toba Samosir geothermal field covers forest areas in five regencies including Toba Samosir, Samosir, Humbang Hasundutan, North Tapanuli and Dairi.

The head of the mining and energy office of the North Sumatra provincial administration, Untungta Kaban said that auction would be held after an initial survey indicated that the field could provide steam supply for the production of electricity of up to 150 MW.

He said investment for the development of a geothermal power plant in the area could reach US$200 million.

If it is realized, the project will be the second geothermal power plant in North Sumatra. At present, Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) and Dizamatra Powerindo , are jointly developing PLTP Sebayak geothermal power plant with capacity of between 40 MW and 50 MW. The plant will receive steam from the Mount Sibayak geothermal field. (*)