Jakarta (ANTARA) \u2013 Center for Energy Security Studies (CESS)\nExecutive Director Dr Ali Ahmudi Achyak said geothermal power plant\ndevelopment must take into account the sustainability of water\nresources, ecosystems, community land and cultural heritage in the\narea.<\/p>\n
Ali said geothermal development should be carried out in stages, with\ndue consideration given to technical, environmental and social\nassessments, spatial planning and applicable regulations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf the target of around 55 megawatts (MW) can be achieved, fuller\nsuccess will mean that this electricity capacity goes hand in hand with\nthe protection of water resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage\nvalues, as well as economic benefits for the community,\u201d Ali said in a\nstatement received in Jakarta on Sunday.<\/p>\n
He said the concept could be framed as \u201c55 MW+0\u201d: generating\nelectricity while maintaining the functions of water resources,\nbiodiversity and cultural heritage, and delivering economic benefits to\nnearby communities.<\/p>\n
One important aspect to consider is the sustainability of water\nresources. Initial assessments could cover spring and river flows, water\nquality, groundwater levels, rainfall, hydrogeological conditions and\nhow local communities use water.<\/p>\n
Forest conditions and wildlife habitats should also be assessed when\ndetermining the locations of facilities such as roads, well pads,\npipelines and other supporting infrastructure. Restoration and\nrevegetation can also be carried out in areas affected by\nconstruction.<\/p>\n
According to Ali, geothermal development can contribute to the energy\ntransition while safeguarding the area\u2019s sustainability if it is based\non assessments, uses appropriate technology, involves communities, and\nis monitored transparently and consistently.<\/p>\n
The proposed geothermal power plant development on Mount Ungaran\ncould serve as an example of how renewable energy development can\nstrengthen energy security while protecting the area\u2019s\nsustainability.<\/p>\n
Ali said Mount Ungaran has characteristics beyond its geothermal\npotential: it also serves ecological and socio-economic functions and\nhas historical and cultural value.<\/p>\n
Development would involve managing the underground reservoir,\ndrilling production and injection wells, and building power generation\nfacilities, pipelines, access roads and other supporting infrastructure.\nUsed fluids would be reinjected into the reservoir through injection\nwells.<\/p>\n
Cultural considerations are also important, given the area\u2019s\nhistorical heritage, including the Gedong Songo Temple complex. Mapping\nprotected zones and conducting archaeological, vibration,\nlandscape-visual, hydrological and landslide-risk assessments are\nnecessary during planning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis shows that energy development needs and ecosystem protection\ncan be designed together. Drilling technology, adaptive facility\nplanning and area restoration create scope for geothermal development\nthat is more efficient while still taking environmental sustainability\ninto account,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ali said involving communities from the outset is also important for\nbuilding trust in the project.<\/p>\n
Communication forums involving the government, developers, local\nauthorities, academics, communities, environmental advocates and\ncultural heritage stakeholders could provide a space to discuss\nassessment progress and receive input.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsing geothermal energy while preserving water resources, generating\nelectricity while maintaining biodiversity, building infrastructure\nwhile respecting cultural heritage, and developing energy through open\ncommunication are all part of a more holistic approach to energy\ndevelopment,\u201d Ali said.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/geothermal-power-plant-development-must-consider-environmental-heritage-1791694254", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }