| Abstract |
The future role of geothermal power generation in Indonesia is presented in this paper using electricity demand evaluation until the year 2010. The method used is by assuming electricity per capita consumption at 700 kWh/year in 2010 will be double its value from year 2000. Assumption of rate of increase population growth at 1.2% resulting to population number in year 2010 estimated at 241.6 million, and the needed power capacity at approximately 50,000 MW at least. Due to new coal and natural gas technology producing petrochemical feedstock, refinery products, GTL (Gas to Liquid), SynCoal and SynGas, the power sector should compete at higher prices for coal and natural gas. Environmental constraints add to the need to boost renewable energy utilization, particularly geothermal energy, around the year 2010. Geothermal should significantly contribute to electricity development due to its ability to provide large-scale supplies. Exploration to increase geothermal confirmed reservoirs should be started as early as possible. Failure of renewable energies including geothermal to perform significantly in the future might open the road for nuclear power plants to enter the electricity system. In the meantime, electricity subsidies plan to be abolished around 2004 and future tariffs will be determined by their economic value. |