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Next-Gen Geothermal Funding 2026: VCs, Banks, Government Capital

Who Is Really Funding Next-Gen Geothermal in 2026? Next-generation geothermal has moved beyond laboratory research into a capital-intensive commercialization phase. In 2026, the most important financing is no longer coming from one investor category: venture capital funds are financing drilling, subsurface modelling and hardware; strategic energy companies are providing equipment, project access and market credibility; banks are beginning to lend against contracted projects; and governments are absorbing exploration and first-of-a-kind technology risk. The strongest financing activity is concentrated in the United States and Canada, but Europe is becoming increasingly important through Germany-based deployment, European Union grants, UK innovation support, and strategic participation from European energy companies. The central investment question is changing from “Can this technology work?” to “Can the developer deliver repeatable, financeable projects at commercial cost?” The 2026 fun...

Indonesia’s Geothermal Power Surge: Barito Renewables Unleashes Five Game-Changing Projects

A New Chapter in Indonesia’s Energy Future Has Begun.

By: Robert Buluma

In a historic move that signals Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to a greener future, PT Barito Renewables Energy Tbk (BREN) has pulled the curtain back on five cutting-edge geothermal power projects under its subsidiary, Star Energy Geothermal.

The inauguration, which took place virtually on June 26, 2025, was no ordinary milestone—it was presided over by none other than President Prabowo Subianto himself, underscoring the national importance of this initiative.

Set in the lush geothermal landscapes of Salak and Wayang Windu in West Java, these projects aren’t just about generating electricity—they’re about igniting transformation.


🔋 A USD 365 Million Bet on Green Power

Barito Renewables is putting its money where its mission is, investing USD 365 million to inject an additional 112 MW into Indonesia’s energy mix. This expansion is expected to create over 3,300 jobs, supercharging local economies while lowering national carbon emissions.

Hendra Soetjipto Tan, President Director of Barito Renewables, emphasized,

“This inauguration marks our firm commitment to continuously support the government in achieving an energy transition... to contribute to a greener and more advanced Indonesia, especially with the communities around our operating area.”


⚙️ The Five Projects: Innovation in Action

1. Salak Binary

  • 💰 Investment: USD 45.5 million
  • ⚡ Capacity: 16.6 MW
  • ✅ COD Achieved: February 2025
  • ♻️ Technology: Binary cycle system harnessing brine heat to generate power.

2. Wayang Windu Unit 3

  • 💰 Investment: USD 106.3 million
  • ⚡ Capacity: 30 MW
  • 📆 COD: December 2026
  • 🚀 Innovation: High-efficiency single flash with integrated control systems.

3. Salak Unit 7

  • 💰 Investment: USD 133 million
  • ⚡ Capacity: 40 MW
  • 📆 COD: December 2026
  • 🧠 Design: Compact power plant layout for streamlined expansion.

4. Salak Units 4, 5, and 6 (Retrofit)

  • 💰 Investment: USD 23 million
  • ⚡ Capacity: 7.2 MW
  • 📆 COD: August 2025
  • 🔧 Innovation: 3D turbine blade tech for greater efficiency and longer plant life.

5. Wayang Windu Units 1 and 2 (Retrofit)

  • 💰 Investment: USD 57 million
  • ⚡ Capacity: 18.4 MW
  • 📆 COD: January 2026
  • ⚙️ Advantage: Efficiency boost without major overhauls.

🌍 More Than Megawatts: A National Imperative

These projects are not just technical feats—they are cornerstones in Indonesia’s ambitious goal to achieve a 23% renewable energy mix by 2025. With cutting-edge technology, sustainable job creation, and community-centered growth, Barito Renewables has become a formidable partner to the government in reshaping the country’s energy narrative.

By tapping into the Earth’s natural heat, Barito isn’t just producing clean electricity—it’s fueling a movement.


🚀 Final Word: Indonesia Is Heating Up the Race to Net Zero

While the rest of the world debates how to decarbonize, Indonesia is drilling, building, and powering forward. Barito Renewables’ five new geothermal projects prove that with bold leadership and targeted investment, even the most ambitious climate goals are within reach.

Related: Pertermina Geothermal Ignitees Lumut Labal Energy


As the steam rises in West Java, so too does Indonesia’s stature as a global geothermal leader.

The future is geothermal. The future is now.


Source: Petromindo  

Connect with us: Alphaxioms

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