Indonesia to Serve as Geothermal Center of Excellent for Southeast Asian Region

Geothermal power plants are almost non-polluting or greenhouse gas emissions, and are not noisy and reliable. The electricity that can be generated is about 90 percent, higher than a fossil fuel power plant that generates about 65 to 75 percent electricity.

The geothermal energy can be produced continuously, as it continues to be generated through the decay of radioactive minerals in the earth. This energy can also be generated throughout the season permanently, as it does not require energy storage.

The downside is only in terms of investment. The capital to build a geothermal power plant is enormous. Drilling sites are not biased at all, should be around tectonic plates that have high temperatures generated by geothermal sources.

Seeing the potential, benefits and effects on the environment, geothermal energy is the ideal energy to be developed in Indonesia, especially to meet the growing need for electrical energy in Indonesia.

"The huge potential must be utilized optimally to support the priority program for the construction of 35 thousand mega watt power plant which has been proclaimed by the government," said Agus at Coffee Morning, at Nusantara III Lounge Room, Wednesday (23/11/2016).

The construction of a 35 thousand mega watt power plant is the Nawacita program of President Joko Widodo. Utilization of geothermal also supports the Paris Agreement at The 21 'Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris. The contents of the agreement of countries to withstand the rate of rise in the earth's temperature by reducing carbon emissions, then the world's energy trend is now shifting toward a low carbon energy future of renewable energy.

The country's need for energy is increasing every year. Currently, Indonesia still relies on energy from petroleum and coal to meet its needs. The House of Representatives sees it is time for Indonesia to maximize the development of non fossil energy potential to balance current energy needs