Indonesia’s vast geothermal energy potential, estimated at 2,160 gigawatts (GW), is poised to transform the country’s industrial and urban energy landscape, according to Project InnerSpace’s report The Future of Geothermal in Indonesia. Advances in drilling and subsurface exploration now make next-generation geothermal energy feasible in areas previously unsuitable for conventional systems. Unlike traditional geothermal plants that rely on natural underground reservoirs, the latest technology can extract energy from hot rock layers over 3,000 metres deep, allowing deployment near industrial estates, city centres, and campuses. Experts highlight that Indonesia’s decades of experience in oil, gas, and hydrothermal geothermal sectors provide the technical expertise, operational capacity, and drilling skills necessary to lead the development of these new systems. By modernizing regulations and expanding the focus beyond electricity generation, the country could unlock thousands of megawatts of reliable, low-emission energy, strengthen industrial competitiveness, create skilled jobs, and enhance energy security while benefiting local communities.
Geothermal energy could meet up to 90% of the manufacturing industry’s heat needs, particularly for the food and beverage, textile, chemical, and smelter sectors, providing a cleaner alternative to coal and gas. Additionally, geothermal district cooling offers a solution for data centres, industrial cities, and urban developments, potentially reducing cooling electricity consumption by 50–70% and alleviating grid pressures. To demonstrate feasibility, Project InnerSpace is funding a study at Gadjah Mada University to develop Indonesia’s first geothermal-based district cooling system, with the potential to expand to other cities and industrial areas. With proper policy support, regulatory modernization, and investment in infrastructure, geothermal energy could become a cornerstone of Indonesia’s green economy, aligning with broader initiatives to transition toward renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and support sustainable industrial growth.
Source: https://tanahair.net/indonesias-2160-gw-geothermal-resource-seen-as-key-to-powering-industry/
