Geothermal energy is derived from the natural heat within the earth, captured in sub-surface reservoirs at depths ranging from a few hundred meters to more than 3,000 meters. In places where magma is close to the surface, as in Java, it heats subterranean water and creates reservoirs of steam and hot water. Tapping those reservoirs provides heat to drive steam turbines for the generation of electricity.

Indonesia has the largest resource of geothermal energy in the world. Positioned on the Ring of Fire that circles the Pacific Ocean, the nation has an abundant source of clean, sustainable energy to complement its immense hydrocarbon reserves. The geothermal areas are located across the archipelago from Sumatra, to Java-Bali, Sulawesi, Maluku and up to Nusa Tenggara.

Geothermal energy plays an important role in Indonesia. It provides a clean source of energy free of the detrimental effects of fossil fuel fired plants and stations. And unlike coal and other hydrocarbons, if managed properly, geothermal energy is completely renewable and can be sustained indefinitely. The actual land used in geothermal operations is also fairly small, co-existing readily with natural habitat or agriculture. A clean energy source, geothermal helps meet domestic energy needs and frees up more fossil fuels for export.

Geothermal energy holds immense promise for the future and provides exciting new opportunities to improve the lives of the people of Indonesia.