Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (Antara NTT) - World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia, along with Indonesia`s largest liquefied natural gas producer PT. Arun NGL, will develop geothermal energy in Flores island, East Nusa Tenggara province.
"Recently, together with WWF and PT. Arun, we have prepared a road map to develop geothermal in Flores and it is just a matter of time before we implement it," Head of Provincial Mining and Energy Office, Boni Marisin, affirmed when contacted by Antara here, Friday.
The development of geothermal energy is aimed at realizing the potential of Flores Geothermal Iconic Island, he added.
According to Boni, the geothermal potential at the Flores island is huge because the area has a row of volcanoes spread from the west to the east region of Flores.
"Currently, geothermal development is being carried out in Ulumbu and Mataloko in the western part of Flores," he said.
The central government has appointed PT. PLN (the National Electricity Company) to develop geothermal in Ulumbu and Mataloko with a capacity of 50 megawatts (MW) and 22.5 MW each, respectively, Boni explained.
"Geothermal development in those two areas are expected to be connected to East Nusa Tenggara`s system by 2020," he stated, adding that in addition to Flores, geothermal is also found in Atadei, Lembata district and Alor district.
The geothermal potential in Atadei has estimated reserves of 40 MW on an area of more than 31,000 hectares, he revealed.
"If the potential in Atadei can be developed well, it will be able to supply electricity to the vicinity of areas such as Adonara and Solor," he noted.
The local administration continues to encourage investment in renewable energy according to the potential in each area to meet the electricity needs in the rural areas and increase the electrification ratio in the country, he remarked.
"Other renewable energy potentials in East Nusa Tenggara are in the field of hydro power, wind, ocean currents and solar. We have been promoting the potential of these at every investment forum to attract investors," he said.
