Government accelerates recovery of Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant to optimise 1,100 MW capacity
The government is accelerating steps to recover the Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) in North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, as part of an effort to strengthen national energy security and optimise a potential capacity of up to 1,100 MW.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliot, stated in Jakarta on Saturday that through the completion of administrative processes and an investment plan of approximately US$270 million, the government aims for the installed capacity of 330 MW to return to optimal operation during 2027-2028.
According to Yuliot, the government will first complete the necessary administrative processes by October 2026. Once this stage is finalised, the increase in production capacity will be pursued in 2027-2028.
“Firstly, from the administrative side, we will complete it by October 2026. Once the administrative matters are settled, we will pursue the increase in production capacity in 2027-20lag8,” said Yuliot following an inspection of the Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant in North Tapanuli, North Sumatra, on Friday (31/07/2026).
Yuliot noted that the recovery of the Sarulla plant’s capacity is estimated to require additional investment of around US$270 million.
“New additional investment is estimated to be around US$270 million to return to the 330 MW capacity from the existing 1,100 MW potential,” he added.
In geothermal field operations, changes in steam pressure represent a technical challenge that must be managed sustainably. This condition has resulted in the current production capacity of the Sarulla plant sitting at approximately 220 MW, out of an installed capacity of 330 MW.
The government, alongside the plant operators, has prepared administrative resolution steps and investment plans to restore the plant’s capacity. Once the existing capacity is optimised, further investments are planned to be implemented gradually to support the utilisation of available geothermal potential.
The Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant is located in the Pahae Julu and Pahae Jae districts of North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. The plant is operated by the Sarulla Operations Ltd (SOL) consortium.
The Sarulla plant has an installed capacity of 330 MW divided into three units, each with a capacity of 110 MW. The Silangkitang (SIL) unit commenced commercial operations in March 2017, while the Namora I Langit 1 (NIL-1) unit has been operational since October 2017, and the Namora I Langit 2 (NIL-2) unit since May 2018.
The Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant is one of Indonesia’s strategic geothermal assets. With a resource potential of approximately 1,100 MW, strengthening field management is expected to not only restore existing plant capacity but also support the development of clean energy as part of the national energy security effort.