Asia Pacific

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 11th August 2025

New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) and the New Zealand Geothermal Association have jointly launched a new guide on how businesses can use geothermal heat for smarter heating and cooling.

The geoheat business guide highlights the nation’s geothermal resources and the technology options available to businesses.

These range from direct use of geothermal fluid for process heat to advanced ground source and high-temperature industrial heat pumps, which can supply up to 200–280 °C.

The new report also covers the full development process, from feasibility studies to installation and maintenance.

It also provides an overview of regulatory and consent requirements under the Resource Management Act (RMA), and includes case studies showing proven applications that have cut energy costs and improved operational efficiency.

In a foreword to the report, Kennie Tsui, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Geothermal Association, highlights how the country is “blessed” with an abundance of renewable geothermal energy.

The most familiar of these are the high-temperature geothermal resources (exceeding 150°C) that are located primarily within the Central North Island’s volcanic region and at Ngāwhā in Northland, which have been extensively used for electricity generation and industrial direct use for over 70 years.

The new business guide, Tsui notes, “focuses on the less familiar but equally beneficial” temperatures from 150°C down to 10°C that are present at the lower end of the geothermal spectrum.

“In fact, at the lower end of the geothermal spectrum, shallow ground temperatures are influenced by solar radiation and are about 2°C above average air temperature. This means that geothermal is available everywhere. Across the country this ranges from about 10°C in the south and alpine areas to 18°C in the far north. These temperatures can be used for heating and cooling with a geothermal or ground source heat pump.”

The report highlights how proven technologies can meet a wide range of temperature needs for a variety of industrial applications and related uses.

Case studies — including Christchurch Airport, which uses 13–14°C groundwater with heat pumps for efficient building heating and cooling — also demonstrate measurable operational cost reductions, improved efficiency and reliable heat supply.

“Unlike solar or wind, geoheat provides a round-the-clock, weather-independent heat source, critical for industries with baseload heating needs,” the EECA notes in its introduction to the report on its website.

“This reliability reduces exposure to energy supply volatility and peak electricity demand charges.”

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 7 August, 2025

Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) has embarked on its first overseas geothermal research project in partnership with PT Geo Dipa Energi (GDE), marking a significant milestone in its geothermal business activities.

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 4 August, 2025

Earth Sciences New Zealand has signed an agreement with Beca to help unlock the large energy opportunity geothermal presents as well as expand New Zealand’s renewable impact within the Indo-Pacific region.

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 4 August, 2025

The Philippines’ Department of Energy has formally inaugurated the Energy Development Corporation’s 22MW Tanawon Geothermal Power Plant in Sorsogon City, underscoring the DOE’s commitment to balancing sustainable energy development with economic growth. 

• Region: ASIA PACIFIC
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 29 July, 2025

Massey University scientists are leading a major new research project in partnership with NASA to monitor geothermal fields in New Zealand from space.

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 7th July 2025

PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) has successfully started up its 55 MW Lumut Balai Unit 2 geothermal plant.

In a statement to the Indonesia Stock Exchange, the company reported that the plant is now fully operational and delivering electricity to the national grid following recent testing work.

With this addition, PGE now manages an installed capacity of 727.5 MW from six operating areas.

PGE’s President Director Julfi Hadi noted that this achievement is the result of the collective work of the field team and the support of various stakeholders.

“We are grateful that the Lumut Balai Unit 2 geothermal power plant can now be fully and consistently commissioned,” he said.

“This is part of PGE's long-term commitment in providing reliable and sustainable geothermal-based clean energy. With this additional capacity, we are not only strengthening the national energy mix, but also moving closer to our target of 1 gigawatt (GW) of self-managed installed capacity in the next 2-3 years.”

The PGE boss added that it marks another milestone in the company's efforts to contribute to achieving atarget of expanding renewable energy generation capacity to 76% in the 2025-2034 period.

“Going forward, we are optimistic to continue supporting the acceleration of the national geothermal capacity increase target of 5.2 GW in that period,” he said.

In addition to the Lumut Balai Unit 2 geothermal plant, PGE is also developing several other strategic projects, such as the Hululais Unit 1 & 2 geothermal plants (110 MW), as well as a number of co-generation projects with a total capacity of 230 MW.

Most recently, on June 26, PGE also inaugurated the exploration of the Gunung Tiga geothermal power plant located in Lampung with a potential capacity of 55 MW.

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 2 July, 2025

Amazon’s latest fulfillment center in Nagoya, Japan, is designed to not only deliver customer orders efficiently but also operate with a focus on sustainability.

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 24 May, 2025

GNS Science has unveiled a pioneering tool designed to help the geothermal energy sector make faster, more informed decisions with greater confidence. 

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 9th June 2025

Indonesia’s PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) has reiterated its commitment to realising its installed capacity target of 1GW (gigawatt) within the next 2–3 years, and to 1.7GW by 2033.

The company outlined its latest plans to investors at its annual general meeting in Jakarta last week, unveiling net profit of US$160mn in 2024, against revenues of US$401mn.

“The positive financial and operational performance confirms the success of our sustainable business strategy in advancing geothermal development in Indonesia for the benefit of the wider community,” said Yurizki Rio, Director of Finance.

Currently, PGE holds 15 geothermal working areas with a total installed capacity of 1,878 MW.

Around 672.5MW is independently operated, with the balance, 1,205MW, managed under joint contracts with partners.

The installed geothermal capacity within PGE’s working areas contributes approximately 80% of Indonesia’s total installed geothermal capacity, making it an integral player in Indonesia’s energy transition plans.

PGE recorded increased production across several areas in 2024, including Kamojang (up 5.36% year-on-year), Lahendong (up 0.4%), and Lumut Balai (up 2.72%).

In total, electricity production reached 4,827.22 GWh, up 1.96% from the previous year, the company reported, citing a “stable and efficient” operational performance.

In a statement, PGE noted that it is “optimistic” it can increase its independently-operated installed capacity to 1GW within the next two years, and again to 1.7GW by 2033.

It also noted that the Lumut Balai Unit 2 project is expected to begin operations in mid-2025, which “will further strengthen PGE’s green energy portfolio.”

“This effort supports the transformation agenda of the national energy mix by increasing renewable energy generation capacity to 76% during the 2025–2034 period,” said president director, Julfi Hadi.

“We…remain committed to delivering our best performance in support of the national energy transition,” he added.

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 5 June, 2025

Project InnerSpace, a nonprofit organization focused on removing barriers to large-scale geothermal development, has partnered with the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), a leading energy think tank in Indonesia, to help accelerate the growth of Indonesia’s geothermal sector.

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 27 May, 2025

Energy industry giant ABB has outlined its keenness to play a role in growing Indonesia’s geothermal industry.

In a news article posted on the group’s website on 26 May, 2025, Abhinav Harikumar, Vice President ABB Energy Industries, Southeast Asia, highlighted the country’s huge geothermal energy  potential.

“Indonesia is harnessing its vast geothermal potential to drive a sustainable energy transition,” said Harikumar.

As one of the world’s leading geothermal-rich nations, the country is strategically integrating this clean energy into its national mix to bolster energy security, he added.

“Geothermal plays a central role in Indonesia’s National Energy Policy and is key to achieving its ambitious renewable energy targets, including net-zero emissions by 2060 and new pathways for economic growth and energy independence.”

ABB already has a strong track record in Indonesia’s geothermal sector through the Wayang Windu geothermal power plant operated by Star Energy.

In collaborations with companies like ABB, Star Energy retrofitted its cooling tower, with ABB upgrading the Distributed Control System (DCS) to boost capacity.

Another project within this plant involved the upgrade of Human Machine Interface (HMI) enhanced operational efficiency and safety of the plant’s operation.

Harikumar said such projects and collaborations were vital to underpinning the successful long-term growth of the sector.

“Realising geothermal energy’s potential requires clear strategies and industry collaboration,” he noted.

“Private sector collaboration is essential to advancing Indonesia's geothermal projects, with companies like ABB providing critical expertise in automation and electrification. These help to enhance efficiency and address challenges such as connectivity in remote areas.”

Given the high upfront investment for exploration and development, he also added that long-term partnerships will be crucial for scaling geothermal energy and ensuring projects become operational.

“As Indonesia pursues its 2060 net-zero target, maximising geothermal resources will be the key to its renewable energy transition – shaping a more resilient and sustainable energy future.”

• Region: Asia Pacific
• Topics: Geothermal
• Date: 19th May 2025

Taiwan’s Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, Lai Chien-Hsin, has reiterated the critical role geothermal will play in the island’s energy transition.

A 14th May press release issued by the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Energy Administration flagged recent comments by the Vice Minister from the 2025 Taiwan International Geothermal Conference.

The event, hosted by the Ministry, took place in Taipei in April.In his opening remarks, Vice Minister Lai said promoting renewable energy is critical to achieving sustainability and energy transition goals in Taiwan.

“With Taiwan's favourable geological conditions, it has completed the construction of six geothermal power plants,” the statement read. “This year, more geothermal power plants will be connected to the grid.”

The Vice Minister also welcomed geothermal scholars, developers and experts to the conference, stating that collaboration between international enterprises and local Taiwanese firms can contribute to the island’s net-zero emission goals and address climate challenges.

The Taipei conference brings together leading geothermal experts, government representatives and industry leaders from the United States, New Zealand, Canada, the Philippines, and other countries to explore cutting-edge technologies and the future development of geothermal energy.

Held in a hybrid format with both in-person sessions and online streaming, the conference attracted more than 700 participants from around the world, including representatives from academia, industry, government and research institutions.

This year’s agenda featured a broad range of topics, including the status of geothermal energy development in Taiwan, industry trends, advanced technologies and innovative application, and the role of local governments in promoting geothermal power.

The Energy Administration and the Geological Survey and Mining Management Agency presented Taiwan's geothermal policies and exploration progress.

CPC Corporation and Taiwan Power Company also delivered updates on development strategies and technical breakthroughs, which have attracted investment and interest from both domestic and international companies.

On the second day of the conference, there was also a site visit for to CPC Corporation's Yuanshan No.1 Well, Taiwan's first deep geothermal exploratory well.

“Jointly developed by Academia Sinica and CPC, and currently drilled to a depth of 1,820 metres, this well marks a key milestone for Taiwan's deep geothermal progress,” the Ministry statement noted.

It added that Taiwan aims to strengthen global partnerships, foster innovation and accelerate the growth of its geothermal sector as part of moves to build a long-term and sustainable energy sector.