Beyond Electricity: Pertamina Geothermal's Leadership in Maximizing Geothermal’s Benefit

Geothermal energy, renowned primarily for its role in power generation, boasts a myriad of additional applications beyond electricity production, contributing to sustainable development across various sectors worldwide. From heating and cooling systems to industrial processes and spa tourism, geothermal energy offers versatile solutions for addressing energy needs, enhancing agricultural practices, and promoting wellness tourism

?

Geothermal energy represents one of the earliest known renewable energy sources, with a history spanning centuries

Geothermal energy, harnessing the Earth's heat for practical purposes, has a rich history deeply intertwined with human civilization. Ancient cultures such as the Greeks and Romans revered hot springs for their therapeutic properties, recognizing early on the power of subsurface heat. The world's most ancient geothermal district heating system, situated in Chaudes-Aigues, France, has maintained operations since the 15th century. However, formal scientific inquiry into geothermal energy did not commence until the late 18th century.

The earliest documented industrial exploitation dates back to 1827, when geyser steam was utilized to extract boric acid from volcanic mud in Larderello, Italy. Subsequently, in 1904, Italian scientist Piero Ginori Conti built the first geothermal power plant in Larderello, Italy, marking the birth of modern geothermal energy utilization.

Throughout the 20th century, advancements in technology and understanding propelled geothermal energy forward. The 1960s saw significant developments with the installation of the first large-scale geothermal power plants in the United States, particularly in Sonoma County, California. Today, geothermal power plants exist across the globe, tapping into the Earth's natural heat reservoirs to generate electricity and provide heating for homes and businesses, demonstrating the enduring relevance and potential of this ancient energy source in our modern world.

Geothermal energy offers diverse applications beyond electricity

Beyond its conventional role in electricity generation, geothermal energy presents a wealth of alternative applications that span multiple industries and sectors. This versatile renewable resource offers solutions beyond powering grids, encompassing heating and cooling systems, agricultural practices, industrial processes, and even tourism ventures. From providing sustainable heating for homes and businesses to enhancing crop yields in agriculture, and from powering industrial operations to fostering wellness tourism through natural hot springs, geothermal energy showcases its adaptability and sustainability across various domains.

Here are some examples of geothermal energy's diverse applications:

1. Heating and Cooling: Iceland is a pioneer in utilizing geothermal energy for heating and cooling purposes. Reykjavik, the capital city, and many other towns and villages across Iceland utilize district heating systems powered by geothermal energy. The country's abundant geothermal resources also provide heating for swimming pools, greenhouses, and even sidewalks to prevent ice accumulation.

2. Aquaculture: Several countries have implemented geothermal energy for aquaculture purposes. There are geothermal eel farms in Slovakia. China, Japan, France, and Israel use geothermal water to maintain optimal temperatures for fish farming. The stable temperatures provided by geothermal sources contribute to higher fish yields and improved water quality.

3. Industrial Applications: New Zealand has integrated geothermal energy into various industrial processes. The Wairakei Power Station in New Zealand, one of the oldest geothermal power plants in the world, provides not only electricity but also steam for nearby industrial operations. Industries such as timber drying, milk pasteurization, and wool processing utilize geothermal steam for their operations, reducing reliance on carbon-emitting fuels.

4. Spa and Wellness Tourism: Japan is renowned for its geothermal hot springs, known as onsens, which attract millions of tourists each year for relaxation and wellness. Places like Beppu and Hakone are popular destinations for geothermal spa tourism. These hot springs not only provide recreational opportunities but also contribute to the local economy through the tourism and hospitality industries.

5. Desalination: The United States has explored geothermal energy for desalination purposes. In places like the Salton Sea area in California, geothermal resources are being used to power experimental desalination plants. These plants aim to convert saline or brackish water into freshwater, addressing water scarcity issues in arid regions.

These examples demonstrate the diverse range of applications for geothermal energy and how different countries are harnessing this renewable resource to meet various needs sustainably.

PGEO is implementing multifaceted initiatives to harness geothermal potentials

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy, Tbk (PGEO), stands at the forefront of harnessing geothermal energy for a range of innovative applications beyond traditional power generation. Leveraging Indonesia's abundant geothermal resources, we have spearheaded initiatives to utilize geothermal energy for heating and cooling systems, industrial processes, and direct-use applications.

In the tourism sector, we have built a tourist village in the Kamojang Area. Additionally, earlier this year, PGEO formalized a pilot project for hotspring tourism known as the Lao Lao Geopark in the Lahendong Area of North Sulawesi. In agriculture, PGEO has successfully implemented the utilization of geothermal steam to sterilize the planting medium for potato seeds (cocopeat), thereby reducing reliance on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) while concurrently enhancing potato productivity. Furthermore, PGEO has initiated comprehensive research and development endeavors aimed at generating green hydrogen through electrolysis, utilizing resources from geothermal power plants.

Through strategic partnerships and investments, PGEO has implemented cutting-edge technologies to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of geothermal energy utilization across various sectors. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Pertamina Geothermal Energy continues to lead the way in exploring the full potential of geothermal energy beyond electricity generation, contributing to Indonesia's energy security and environmental stewardship efforts.