Flores has big reserves of geothermal that could be developed to generate power, Jonan said in Larantuka where he took part in last Good Friday (30/3) ceremony.
A number of geothermal power plants are being built on Flores. In five to seven years, the island would have enough power supply if the projects are carried out as scheduled.
Based on geological surveys, geothermal reserves were found in a number of areas on the island including in Mataloko of Ngada District, Ulumbu of Manggarai District, Sokaria of Ende District and Oka Ile Ange of East Flores District.
Altogether the reserves have a potential to generate 115 megawatts of geothermal power. The government is set to increase the ratio of clean and renewable energy including geothermal power to the country`s total energy mix. Currently oil and gas and coal dominate the country`s energy production and consumption.
Indonesia has the world largest geothermal reserves but the natural wealth is not yet adequately developed mainly on higher development cost as it needs high technology. The United States and the Philippines are ahead of Indonesia in production of geothermal power.
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Currently, development of geothermal power plants is underway in Ulumbu and Mataloko, head of the East Nusa Tenggara Mining and Energy Office Boni Marisin said.
The ESDM Ministry has named the national power utility company PT PLN to develop geothermal reserves in Ulumbu and Mataloko respectively with a capacity of 50 MW and 22.5 MW. "The power plants would be linked to the East Nusa Tenggara interconnection in 2020," Marisin said.
He said the sub-district of Atadei in the regency of Lembata also has potential geothermal reserve of 40 MW. The potential geothermal reserves in Flores has attracted the attention of the East Nusa Tenggara provincial administration that has encouraged investment in the renewable energy project.
"We have continued to promote the potentials of new and renewable energy sources in this region in any opportunity such as in investment forums to attract investors," Marisin said.
The main factor delaying development of geothermal power in East Nusa Tenggara is protracted negotiation on the selling price of the power output to PLN, he said.
Development of renewable energy is expected to end problem of shortage in power supply in East Nusa Tenggara as PLN could not be expected to cover all requirement especially in isolated areas.
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