Skip to main content

Indonesia Industry Leaders Call For Higher Geothermal Electricity Tariffs

Industry Leaders Advocate for Increased Geothermal Electricity Tariff in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the push for renewable energy sources has gained momentum in recent years as the nation grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security. Geothermal energy, in particular, has emerged as a promising solution due to the country's abundant volcanic activity. However, despite its potential, the geothermal sector faces hurdles, including the need for a more favorable tariff structure to encourage investment and development. Industry leaders are now calling for higher geothermal electricity tariffs to stimulate growth in this crucial sector.

Current Scenario:

Indonesia is one of the world's most geothermally active regions, with vast potential for geothermal energy production. However, despite this advantage, geothermal power accounts for only a small fraction of the country's total electricity generation. One of the primary reasons for this is the existing tariff structure, which industry players argue does not adequately reflect the true value of geothermal energy.

Challenges:

The current tariff for geothermal electricity in Indonesia is perceived as insufficient to attract significant investment in exploration, development, and production. This low tariff fails to cover the high initial capital costs associated with geothermal projects, making them less attractive to investors compared to other energy sources.

Industry Leaders' Perspective:

Leading figures within the geothermal industry have been vocal about the need for a tariff adjustment to reflect the unique characteristics and benefits of geothermal energy. They argue that higher tariffs are essential to incentivize investment, spur technological innovation, and accelerate the deployment of geothermal projects across the archipelago.


Economic and Environmental Benefits:

Raising the geothermal electricity tariff would not only benefit the industry but also the economy and the environment. Geothermal energy offers a reliable and sustainable source of electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, increased investment in the geothermal sector would create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance energy security for Indonesia.

Government Initiatives:

The Indonesian government has shown commitment to promoting renewable energy, including geothermal, through various policies and initiatives. However, industry leaders believe that revising the electricity tariff is crucial to complement these efforts and unlock the full potential of geothermal energy in the country.


The call for a higher geothermal electricity tariff in Indonesia reflects the urgent need to harness the nation's abundant renewable energy resources for sustainable development. By providing a more favorable investment environment, raising the tariff would enable Indonesia to capitalize on its geothermal potential, reduce carbon emissions, and build a cleaner, more resilient energy future. As stakeholders continue to advocate for policy reforms, it is hoped that Indonesia will take decisive action to accelerate the transition towards a greener energy landscape. 

Source: Researched and Written by Robert Buluma, alphaxioms@gmail.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Amsterdam Strikes Geothermal Gold: Hot, Thick, Permeable Reservoir Confirmed

Breakthrough Beneath the Beach: Amsterdam Region Hits Geothermal Paydirt at Strandeiland By: Robert Buluma The Netherlands just took a giant leap toward fossil-free heating. On the artificial island of Strandeiland (part of Amsterdam’s fast-growing IJburg district), the SCAN exploration well has officially confirmed what the geothermal community has been hoping for: a thick, hot, and , most importantly permeable reservoir in the Slochteren Formation. Key numbers that matter:   Reservoir thickness: 152 meters   Bottom-hole temperature: 66 °C   Permeability: confirmed via successful production and injection tests   That’s not screaming-hot by Icelandic standards, but for direct-use district heating in one of Europe’s densest urban areas, 66 °C is more than enough to supply thousands of homes with clean, baseload heat – forever. Why This Well Changes Everything for the Netherlands The Dutch government launched the SCAN program (Seismic Campaign Nethe...

A Quiet Revolution Underground: Prenzlau’s Geothermal Leap Toward a Fully Renewable Heat Future

Prenzlau’s Geothermal Breakthrough: A Decisive Step Toward a Fully Renewable Heat Future By: Robert Buluma The city of Prenzlau, located in northeastern Germany, has reached a major milestone in its transition toward sustainable energy. In December 2025, Stadtwerke Prenzlau announced a decisive breakthrough in its geothermal project after successfully encountering geothermal water at a depth of 983 meters. This discovery represents a critical step forward for the city’s ambition to fully decarbonize its heat supply and positions Prenzlau as a leading example of how medium-sized towns can harness geothermal energy for district heating. The geothermal water discovered during drilling operations is estimated to be around 200 million years old and is contained within a saline sandstone formation deep underground. With a temperature of approximately 44°C and a planned production rate of 130 cubic meters per hour, the resource offers a reliable and continuous source of renewable heat. A test...

Geothermal-Powered Greenhouses: Qingyun County's Leap Toward Sustainable, Year-Round Agriculture in Shandong

Harnessing Geothermal Energy to Power Modern Agriculture: How Qingyun County Is Redefining Sustainable Food Production in Shandong By:  Robert Bulum a As winter tightens its grip across northern China, most agricultural regions brace for declining productivity, rising energy costs, and increased environmental pressure. Yet in Qingyun County, located in China’s eastern Shandong Province, a different story is unfolding,one where geothermal energy is quietly transforming agriculture into a resilient, low-carbon, high-yield enterprise. At the heart of this transformation lies the Shandong Shuifa Aerospace Modern Agriculture Industrial Park, where geothermal energy has become a critical enabler of year-round food production, economic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. A Warm Oasis in the Depth of Winter Shortly after the Minor Snow solar term, temperatures outside the greenhouses in Qingyun County drop sharply. Inside the intelligent greenhouse complex, however, conditions re...

Nysa Unveils Ambitious Geothermal Project: Exploratory Drilling Set for Spring 2026

Nysa May Be Sitting on Vast Geothermal Wealth: Exploratory Drilling to Begin in Spring 2026 By: Robert Buluma Nysa, a historic town in southern Poland, could soon become a regional pioneer in geothermal energy. With the signing of a contract for a geothermal exploratory well, the municipality has officially launched one of the most ambitious renewable energy projects ever undertaken in the Opole Voivodeship. Preparatory works will continue through 2025, with drilling scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and continue for approximately six months. The goal is clear: to confirm whether deep beneath Nysa lie geothermal waters capable of transforming the town’s heating system, economy, and environmental footprint. A Strategic Step Toward Energy Independence According to Nysa Mayor Kordian Kolbiarz, geothermal energy represents far more than a technological experiment. It is a strategic investment in the town’s future. If the geothermal resources are confirmed, they could supply heat and hot wa...

Exergy ORC Sets New World Record: 46 MW of Geothermal Power in Turkey Delivered in Under 13 Months

Exergy ORC Delivers Two Geothermal Power Plants in Turkey in Record Time: 46 MW Added in Under 13 Months By:  Robert Buluma On November 30, 2025, Exergy International proudly announced the successful commissioning of two new geothermal power plants in Aydın, Turkey: Maren Nezihe Beren 2 (13 MWe) and Emir (33 MWe), totaling 46 MW of new clean electricity capacity. What makes this milestone truly remarkable is the execution speed , both plants were delivered in less than 13 months from contract signing to full commercial operation, setting a new benchmark in the geothermal ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) industry. Why This Achievement Matters in 2025 In an era where renewable energy projects often face delays of 24–36 months (or longer), completing two binary-cycle geothermal plants totaling 46 MW in under 13 months is nothing short of extraordinary. Turkey already ranks 4th globally in installed geothermal capacity (~1.7 GW as of 2024), and these new plants reinforce the country’s lead...

Fervo Energy To Partner With Turboden In 400 MW Utah Geothermal Project

Unleashing the Power of Earth:  Turboden and  Fervo Energy Partner to Revolutionize Geothermal Energy By: Robert Buluma In the heart of the rugged landscapes of southwest Utah, a groundbreaking collaboration is underway to harness the Earth's natural heat and propel the world towards a greener, more sustainable future. Turboden , a trailblazer in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems, has joined forces with Fervo Energy , a pioneer in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), to embark on an ambitious journey towards redefining geothermal energy production. The Cape Station project stands as a testament to this alliance, marking Fervo Energy largest commercial endeavor in the geothermal energy sector to date. Positioned to become a beacon of innovation, Cape Station aims to revolutionize the way we harness energy from beneath the Earth's surface, with an anticipated total project capacity of approximately 400 MW. This endeavor not only symbolizes a transformative leap towards carbon-...

American Critical Resources and Plum Acquisition Corp. IV Sign LOI for SPAC Merger to Advance U.S. Geothermal Lithium Project

Revolutionizing Energy: The Synergy of Geothermal Power and Lithium Extraction at Hell's Kitchen Posted by  Robert Buluma  on December 20, 2025 In an era where the world is racing toward sustainable energy solutions, the intersection of geothermal power and lithium production is emerging as a game-changer. As electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy storage, and advanced technologies demand ever-increasing supplies of critical minerals, innovative projects are stepping up to meet the challenge. One such groundbreaking initiative is the Hell's Kitchen project by American Critical Resources (ACR), a subsidiary of Controlled Thermal Resources Holdings Inc. (CTR) . This California-based endeavor not only harnesses the Earth's natural heat for clean electricity but also extracts lithium a vital component in batteries ,directly from geothermal brines. With a recent announcement of a proposed business combination with Plum Acquisition Corp. IV (Nasdaq: PLMK), a special purpose ac...

Hawaii’s Underground Secret to Cheaper, Greener Cooling Revealed

Unlocking Hawaii’s Hidden Cooling Power: New Report Reveals Huge Potential for Geothermal Cooling on Oahu (2025) By:  Robert Buluma Could the same volcanic islands that give Hawaii its famous heat also provide the solution to cool its buildings , without crushing the electric grid?   A groundbreaking new report released December 8, 2025, by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) says the answer is a resounding yes. Shallow geothermal heat exchangers (GHEs) , also known as geothermal heat pumps or ground-source heat pumps ,could dramatically cut cooling costs and electricity demand across Oahu, especially for large buildings like schools, military bases, and university facilities. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development in Hawaii geothermal cooling technology. Why Hawaii Is Perfectly Suited for Geothermal Cooling Most of the world uses geothermal heat pumps for heating in cold climates. Hawaii ...

Zanskar’s Big Blind: First Blind Geothermal Discovery in 30 Years

Big Blind: The Geothermal Discovery That Changes Everything By: Robert Buluma Utah startup  Zanskar Geothermal quietly dropped one of the most important announcements in American energy in decades. They discovered and confirmed “Big Blind” ,the first completely blind, commercial-grade geothermal system found in the United States in over thirty years. Let that sink in. No hot springs.   No fumaroles.   No steaming ground.   No prior wells.   Zero surface expression whatsoever. Just desert, sagebrush, and – 7,000 feet below,  a reservoir hot enough and permeable enough to support gigawatt-scale power production. This isn’t incremental progress. This is a paradigm breaker. Why “Blind” Discoveries Matter So Much For the last 40 years, geothermal development in the U.S. has been geographically handcuffed. You could only build plants where nature advertised the resource on the surface – think Yellowstone, The Geysers, or Imperial Valley. Ever...

Germany Unveils Groundbreaking KfW–Munich Re Program to De-Risk Deep Geothermal Heat Projects

Germany Launches Landmark Financing Program to Accelerate Deep Geothermal Heat Projects By: Robert Buluma Germany has taken a decisive step toward securing a climate-neutral heat future. On December 18, 2025, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK), KfW Development Bank , and global reinsurer Munich Re officially launched a groundbreaking funding program designed to unlock large-scale investments in deep geothermal energy for municipal and industrial heat supply. The new initiative, known as the KfW Geothermal Promotional Loan (KfW-Förderkredit Geothermie), directly addresses one of the most persistent bottlenecks in geothermal development: the high financial risk associated with drilling deep geothermal wells. By combining low-interest loans with comprehensive risk coverage, the program is set to significantly accelerate geothermal deployment across Germany. Why Deep Geothermal Matters for Germany’s Heat Transition While Germany has made remarkable progre...