Optimizing Geothermal Energy in Indonesia: Innovative Technologies Insights

Jakarta, Indonesia - April 24, 2024

Article by Dione J.

Did you know Indonesia ranks third globally in geothermal potential, boasting 28 GW? But to optimize its potential, we need better tech. Geothermal energy has proven to be a reliable power player, crucial for a stable electricity supply. To address the rising renewable energy needs, Indonesia targets 7.24 gigawatts of geothermal energy by 2025, per the General Plan for National Energy (RUEN).

However, substantial investment is needed in infrastructure and deep drilling into natural heat sources to achieve this target. Specifically, optimization of low-temperature geothermal wells and unproductive wells is necessary to maximize electricity generation. Continuous progress in drilling and production technologies is crucial to enhancing efficiency and productivity in geothermal energy production. However, extracting this heat comes with a challenge, a method called fracking to enhance permeability. However, this method can also trigger micro-earthquakes, especially in areas with highly active tectonic characteristics in Indonesia.

That's why innovation is key to unlocking Indonesia's geothermal potential and ensuring the electricity needs in Indonesia can be met. Support for this innovation could come from companies focusing on Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS). Companies such as Fervo Energy, GreenFire Energy, Eavor Energy, and SAGE Geosystems, which play a role in addressing the challenges of harnessing geothermal heat, can play a role in optimizing geothermal power production.

GreenFire Energy and Eavor Energy use a closed-loop system (Advanced Geothermal System), but GreenFire utilizes only one vertical well with heat transfer mechanisms via convection and conduction, while Eavor Energy employs multiple wells (2 vertical, 24 horizontal) with heat transfer mechanisms through conductivity. Sage Geosystems combines the EGS system with a closed loop, utilizing multiple wells as injection and production wells with heat transfer mechanisms via convection and conduction. Fervo Energy uses the EGS system with an open loop, employing multiple wells (2 horizontal for injection and production, and 1 monitoring well) with heat transfer mechanisms via conduction. Each company aims to optimize geothermal heat exploitation efficiently.

The table below illustrates the differences between several companies offering technologies to enhance geothermal well performance. 

GreenFire Energy adopts the closed-loop geothermal technology known as GreenLoop, which consists of inner pipes inserted into a single well, functioning as a Down Bore Heat Exchanger (DBHX) deep underground. GreenFire Energy focuses on retrofitting existing wells, especially from unproductive geothermal or oil and gas wells oil and gas production. Collaboration with Armada Energi Solusi also enhances project development capabilities in Indonesia.