The Geothermal Energy series #4

Pertamina Geothermal Energy’s (PGE) press conference highlights Ulubelu, Indonesia, as a model for a successful transition towards a renewable energy future. Let’s delve deeper into the key aspects and potential areas for further exploration:

The Three Energies of Ulubelu:

1. Geothermal Energy:
   • PGE’s Ulubelu Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP): Research the technical details of the PLTP. What type of geothermal technology is used (dry steam, flash steam, or binary cycle)?
   • Impact: Explore the plant’s capacity and how it contributes to the electricity grid of Lampung Province. Analyze the economic and environmental benefits of geothermal power for Ulubelu.
2. Solar Energy:
   • Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (Pertamina NRE) Solar Power Plant (PLTS): Investigate the specifics of the PLTS project. What type of solar panels are used (crystalline silicon, thin-film)?
   • Community Impact: Analyze the scale of the PLTS project and the number of people benefiting from it. How has solar energy impacted the lives of Edi and his fellow young farmers?
3. Microhydro Power:
   • Microhydro Power Plant (PLTMH) in Air Abang Village: Research the capacity of the PLTMH and the technology used to convert water flow into electricity.
   • Socioeconomic Impact: Explore how access to electricity from PLTMH has transformed Air Abang Village. What were the challenges faced by the village before the PLTMH, and how has it improved their quality of life?

Sustainability and Community Engagement:

• Collaboration: Investigate how PGE has fostered collaboration with the Ulubelu government and local communities in developing these renewable energy projects.
• Sustainability Goals: Analyze how these projects contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) mentioned in the press release.
• Long-term Vision: Explore the future plans for Ulubelu as the “Land of Three Energies.” Are there plans to expand existing projects or integrate them further?

Pertamina’s Role in Energy Transition:

• Net Zero Emission (NZE) Strategy: Research Pertamina’s overall plan to achieve the NZE target by 2060. How do the Ulubelu projects contribute to this larger strategy?
• Technological Innovation: Investigate Pertamina NRE’s approach to developing and implementing new clean energy technologies.
• Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Implementation: Analyze how Pertamina’s ESG efforts align with the Ulubelu projects and their commitment to sustainability.

Additional Points to Consider:

• Challenges: Explore potential challenges associated with each renewable energy source used in Ulubelu, such as geothermal reinjection, solar intermittency, or limitations of microhydro capacity.
• Comparison: Compare Ulubelu’s energy transition with other successful renewable energy initiatives in Indonesia or globally to identify best practices and areas for replication.
• Knowledge Sharing: Investigate how Pertamina can share the knowledge and experience gained from Ulubelu with other communities to accelerate Indonesia’s transition towards clean energy.

By delving deeper into these aspects, we gain a comprehensive understanding of Ulubelu as a model for a sustainable energy future. This knowledge can not only be used to improve these projects but also inspire and guide other communities on their path towards clean energy adoption.