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.
Together, they will publish a detailed report and roadmap this fall titled 'The Future of Geothermal in Indonesia'. This upcoming publication will outline strategies to overcome development challenges and unlock the full potential of geothermal energy in the country.
Indonesia is currently the world’s second largest producer of geothermal electricity. Between 2013 and 2023, it added more than 1 GW of net geothermal capacity, according to the International Energy Agency. However, Project InnerSpace’s GeoMap platform suggests far greater potential, estimating about 3,000 GW of geothermal resources. Around 20 GW of that, enough to meet half of the country’s total energy demand, can be developed at a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) below 150 dollars per megawatt hour. There is also notable opportunity for direct-use heating applications.
To develop a comprehensive and actionable plan, Project InnerSpace and IESR recently convened industry leaders, policymakers, and subject matter experts in Jakarta. Their insights will inform the report, which will be released in both English and Bahasa Indonesia. It will include contributions from Indonesian institutions such as Universitas Gadjah Mada, Enerka, the Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center, and Universitas Brawijaya. The report will assess geothermal potential across all applications and technologies and recommend policies and strategies to encourage investment and development.
"Indonesia has long recognized geothermal energy as a central component of its energy strategy," said Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director of IESR. "Working in partnership on this initiative with Project InnerSpace, we hope to accelerate development so we can truly take advantage of the vast geothermal resources beneath our feet. Indonesia is already a global leader in geothermal energy generation, but, through initiatives like this report, the nation can continue to advance into the next-generation of geothermal exploration and growth."
"Indonesia sits atop massive geothermal resources so it is only fitting that it is among the countries at the forefront of geothermal development," said Jamie Beard, Executive Director of Project InnerSpace. "By bringing together Indonesia's geothermal energy and policy leaders, we can foster collaboration, accelerate the timeline and turn potential into action. Geothermal will be a huge win for Indonesia's energy future."