Geothermal Alone Could Solve The Entire World Energy Problems

Posted on Apr 20, 2010

Total potential of the world geothermal energy according to the Organizing Committee of the World Geothermal Congress 2010, Herman Darnel Ibrahim is equivalent of 40,000 GW while the total world energy demand is equivalent to 15,000 GW. Such a magnitude geothermal potential has not been properly utilized not only in Indonesia but also in other countries around the world.

Iceland Geothermal Power Plant

“The world’s geothermal potential is equivalent to 40,000 GW while the world total energy demand equivalent to 15,000 GW. So in theory geothermal by it self could solve the entire world’s energy needs,” said Herman.

Geothermal energy has a lot of potential to replace the fossil fuels as an energy source. The balance between geothermal energy and oil is described by the Head of the Geology, R. Sukhyar. “Indonesian geothermal potential which is stated at 28.1 GW if its all can be utilized it will replace approximately 12 billion barrels of petroleum. Note that Indonesia’s oil reserves now only around 6 billion barrels. ”

Indonesia owns approximately 40% of the world geothermal potential. Utilization of geothermal energy resources in Indonesia has only recently reached 4.2% (1,189 MW). With regard to the increased of geothermal utilization, the Government has prepared a roadmap for geothermal utilization as outlined in the National Energy Policy and hopes to reach 5% utilization by the year 2025, equivalent to 9,500 MW of geothermal power plants.

Constraints in the development of geothermal energy will continue to be minimized so that utilization target can be achieved. Current problems faced by geothermal developers, among others, overlapping land (42.9% of the total geothermal potential of Indonesia is in a protected forest area / conservation), synchronization and RUKD RUKN (Local and national Electricity Plan) and appropriate tariff policy. (SF)