PLN says Gunung Ungaran geothermal plant still in study phase
PT PLN (Persero) has stated that the planned development of the Gunung Ungaran Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP) is still in the planning and feasibility study stage, and has not yet entered the construction or drilling phase.
Ferdyan Hijrah Kusuma, Senior Manager for Permitting, Land and Communications at PLN UIP Central Java, said in a statement in Semarang on Sunday that the development process will be carried out in stages, with reference to the results of studies and applicable regulations.
“PLN respects the concerns and aspirations of the community regarding the geothermal development plan in the Gunung Ungaran area. At present, the plan is still in the planning stage and has not entered the construction or drilling phase,” he said.
During the planning process, he said, PLN together with relevant parties is conducting various studies covering technical, safety, environmental, social, spatial planning, permitting and cultural heritage preservation aspects.
“Each stage will take into account the results of the studies as well as the applicable rules and regulations. Community input and aspirations are also an important part of the planning process,” he said.
According to him, PLN understands that the existence of water sources and the continuity of community activities are important concerns in the geothermal development plan at Gunung Ungaran.
Therefore, he said, the aspect of water needs and the potential impact on the environment and the community are part of the studies being carried out before activities proceed to the next stage.
He stressed that the results of these studies will be one of the considerations in fulfilling environmental requirements and permits.
In addition, he assured that geothermal development also takes into account subsurface conditions.
Before determining well locations, geological and geophysical research is conducted to understand rock conditions, water, heat and subsurface structures as one of the bases for determining the location and direction of drilling.
The geothermal energy development project through the Gunung Ungaran PLTP previously faced rejection from the community, and a number of petitions have even gathered thousands of signatures.
The rejection was because the project is located in an area that contains the Gedong Songo temple cultural site in Semarang Regency, and there are concerns about its impact on the surrounding environment.