West Sumatra tapping geothermal potentials

About two weeks after geothermal drilling was carried out in South Solok regency in West Sumatra, the province is now set to explore 16 other potential geothermal spots along the Sumatran fault line.

West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno said in the near future, a tender will be carried out to exploit a location in Bonjol, Pasaman regency. Chevron and the Bakrie Group are among the companies that have expressed an interest.

?We would be stupid not to exploit the abundance of eco-friendly and renewable energy that we have wasted all this time. We will provide support and facilities;? he said Monday as reported by The Jakarta Post.

West Sumatra has shown its seriousness in exploiting the abundance of geothermal energy with initial drilling carried out in South Solok regency two weeks ago. The pilot project has the potential to produce 440 MW and is expected to begin generating power by early 2015. (*)