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Unlocking Impermeable Geothermal Reservoirs: Hydraulic Stimulation, Menengai and Olkaria

Unlocking the Impermeable Reservoir: Lessons from a 30-Year Reservoir Engineer An Alphaxioms interview with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Context: Menengai East and Olkaria Central. Every geothermal developer knows the moment.  The rig is gone and the money is spent. The well is drilled to depth, the temperature is there, and then the well will not flow. The heat is real, but the connection between the well and the reservoir is not. Wells like this sit at the centre of one of the most important questions in geothermal development: what do you do with a tight reservoir? Walk away and drill again, or find a way to unlock what is already there? To explore the question, Alphaxioms spoke with Richard Joseph Holt, Principal Consultant in Reservoir Engineering at RESPEC . Richard brings 30 years of global experience in geothermal energy.  We framed our questions around two settings, Menengai East and Olkaria Central, and asked him how ...

PT PLN(Persero) Kamojang's Power Plant leads the way in Green Hydrogen Production

Harnessing Geothermal Energy: Kamojang Power Plant Leads the Way in Green Hydrogen Production


By :Robert Buluma

In a significant leap towards sustainable energy, the Kamojang geothermal power plant in West Java, Indonesia, has embarked on a pioneering journey by commencing the production of geothermal-based green hydrogen. Operated by the state-owned electricity company PT PLN, this initiative marks a pivotal moment in the realm of renewable energy production, not just for Indonesia but for the entire Southeast Asian region.

Green hydrogen, a clean fuel source, is derived from the condensation water generated during the geothermal power production process at Kamojang. This innovative approach underscores the plant's commitment to environmental stewardship while tapping into the abundant renewable energy resources available in the region.

With the commencement of operations at Kamojang, PT PLN's green hydrogen output is set to increase by up to 4.3 tons annually. This boost in production aligns with PLN's broader strategy to expand its green hydrogen infrastructure across Indonesia. Currently, the company produces a total of 203 tons of green hydrogen per year, with a significant portion allocated for hydrogen-powered vehicles and essential operational needs.

Permawan Prasodjo, President Director of PLN, emphasized the transformative impact of this green hydrogen output, equating it to fueling approximately 438 cars per year, assuming a daily travel distance of 100 kilometers. Moreover, the displacement of fuel imports by green hydrogen usage underscores Indonesia's commitment to reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting energy independence.

Beyond its domestic initiatives, PT PLN is actively engaged in bolstering geothermal power capacity and fostering partnerships on a global scale. The recent collaboration with Tanzania Electric Supply Co Ltd (TANESCO) exemplifies PLN's commitment to sharing expertise and facilitating geothermal development beyond Indonesian borders. To learn more read here PLN Persero Tanzania Collaboration

As the world transitions towards a sustainable energy landscape, initiatives like the Kamojang green hydrogen project serve as beacons of innovation and sustainability. By harnessing the inherent power of geothermal resources, Indonesia is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also setting a precedent for responsible energy production and utilization.

In conclusion, the commencement of green hydrogen production at the Kamojang geothermal power plant heralds a new era of clean energy innovation in Southeast Asia. With PT PLN at the forefront of this transformative journey, the prospects for a greener, more sustainable future appear brighter than ever.

Source: Alphaxioms

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