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Showing posts with the label Challenges

Banda Baru Geothermal Tender Flops: Zero Bidders Step Forward

Banda Baru Geothermal Survey Tender Fails to Attract Bidders By:  Robert Buluma Indonesia's push toward renewable energy suffered a notable setback in late 2025 when the tender for the Preliminary Survey and Exploration Assignment (WPSPE) of the Banda Baru Sepa geothermal block closed without a single bidder. Located on the remote Seram Island in Maluku Province, this 1,989-hectare site was seen as a promising addition to the nation's geothermal portfolio, with estimated potential of around 25-30 MW. The tender, open from October 31 to December 1, 2025, aimed to assign a developer for initial surveys and exploration, but the lack of interest underscores deep-rooted challenges in attracting investment to Indonesia's geothermal sector. Seram Island, a rugged and largely undeveloped landmass north of Ambon, is characterized by dense rainforests, towering mountains, and limited infrastructure. The Banda Baru block's location amplifies logistical difficulties, making it a to...

Next Generation Geothermal Power, US DOE Publishes Pathways To Commercial Liftoff

Unleashing the Power: Next Generation Geothermal Energy Ventures By: Robert Buluma In the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy, one path is gaining significant traction for its promise of clean, reliable, and economically viable power generation: next-generation geothermal energy ventures. These ventures represent not just a step, but a leap towards a future where sustainable energy sources dominate the market, and the status quo of traditional geothermal power is challenged. Let's embark on a journey through the pathways to commercial lift-off of these groundbreaking ventures and explore how they are reshaping the energy sector. Clean, Flexible, and Firm: Unlike some renewable sources, such as solar and wind, which are intermittent and weather-dependent, next-generation geothermal power offers consistent and reliable energy production. With minimal environmental footprint and no fuel costs, it stands out as a clean energy solution capable of meeting base-load power demands ...