Peneliti Panas Bumi UGM Diundang Komisi PBB untuk Asia Pasifik
Peneliti Panas Bumi UGM Diundang Komisi PBB untuk Asia Pasifik
UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) organised a workshop themed Integrated Resources Management in Asian Cities: the Urban Nexus at UN office in Bangkok, Thailand from 14 – 16 November. This event brought together bureaucrats and academics from India, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, as well as World Bank representatives and observers.
One of the academics invited to talk about integration of resource management in Asian cities is geothermal observer from Engineering UGM, Dr. Pri Utami. She described geothermal potential, challenges and opportunities in Asia.
Pri Utami told reporters on Thursday (22/11) that during the workshop she explained the background of geothermal resource in Asia – Pacific region and its benefits for humanities. “The potential of geothermal energy is 70.000 MW but this has yet to be developed further. In the future this will be the key to sustainable welfare in this region,” said Chairman of Engineering Faculty’s Geothermal Research Centre.
According to Pri Utami, the stable geothermal supply was a reliable source for power need. It can also be used for direct needs besides electricity plant. Utami further described Indonesian government policy in geothermal development. “Indonesia is the second biggest producers in the world after the US by producing 1,925 MWe electricity of total 29.000 MW potential,” she said.
She explained that geological advancement was key for success to reduce the risk in geothermal development. UGM has so far socialised the matter to various groups, mentoring society to create geothermal based economy projects, and designing geothermal education materials for school children.
According to Pri Utami, based on calculations done by International Geothermal Association, the cost of geothermal power would be much lower. Thus, it’s time for Indonesia to boost the use of clean and renewable energy including geothermal, and gradually release the high dependence on fossil energy.