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Producing geothermal energy in Indonesia

Her fieldwork takes geologist Fiorenza Deon to remote areas in Indonesia and it wasn’t long before she learned the language, a skill she needs to be able to negotiate with the local authorities. Her geologic research forms part of GEOCAP, an international collaboration between the governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands, companies and universities aimed at exploring the use of geothermal energy. But GEOCAP is about more than just scientific research, underlines Deon. “Bilateral cooperation offers huge advantages to all parties.”

 

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Tulus Imaro (master student TUD), Fiorenza Deon (TUD), Famelia Nurlaela (PhD candidate ITB) and Astiasari (PhD candidate UT-UGM). The field purpose was to collect samples for the geomechanical experiments to be performed at TUD. Photo by Tulus Imaro

 

The main aim of this research programme, which consists of several projects, is to develop and improve the production of geothermal power, using the heat from the earth  to generate electricity. For Indonesia, a country dominated by volcanoes, it’s a renewable energy source that holds enormous potential. The research team, which is made up of Deon, prof. David Bruhn and dr. Auke Barnhoorn, focuses on the properties of the reservoir rocks suitable for geothermal purposes. “Our goal is to improve the characterisation of reservoir rocks,” Deon explains. “For that we need a better understanding of the subsurface. By studying rocks and surface water we will eventually be able to determine which areas are suitable for building geothermal plants.”

Deon is collecting rock and water samples in different areas on several Indonesian islands, including Java and Sumatra. Sulawesi will soon follow. “We take samples in remote areas about which we have very little data, and in areas where geothermal plants are already in operation. Indonesia lacks a general overview of the petrology and geochemistry of rocks and groundwater. Rock formations in particular are a terra incognita, and Indonesia is such a big country!”

Mapping areas in this way can determine whether drilling for geothermal energy is worth the effort, which will help Indonesia cut costs, Deon explains. “Seismic and geophysical exploration are often the chosen options but they come at a hefty price. Mapping an area first helps to make an informed decision about whether or not an area has the potential for geothermal energy. That’s why, after the research has been completed, I’d like to develop a best practice guide on how to chart different areas.”

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