Indonesia aims to tap volcano power

April 24, 2010 by Alvin Darlanika Soedarjo

An Indonesian worker of PT. Pertamina Geothermal Energy is seen checks one of its production wells in Kamojang. Indonesia has launched an ambitious plan to tap the vast power of its volcanoes and become a world leader in geothermal energy, and in so doing slash its greenhouse gas emissions.

Indonesia has launched an ambitious plan to tap the vast power of its volcanoes and become a world leader in geothermal energy, while trimming greenhouse gas emissions.

The sprawling archipelago of 17,000 islands stretching from the Indian to the Pacific Oceans contains hundreds of volcanoes, estimated to hold around 40 percent of the world's geothermal energy potential.

But so far only a tiny fraction of that potential has been unlocked, so the government is seeking help from private investors, the World Bank and partners like Japan and the United States to exploit the power hidden deep underground.

"The government's aim to add 4,000 megawatts of geothermal capacity from the existing 1,189 megawatts by 2014 is truly challenging," Indonesian Geothermal Association chief Surya Darma said.