COMPLETION REPORT

A comparative study of geothermal energy resources development and utilizationin Japan-Indonesia and Malaysia
Dr. Sonny Irawan (+2)
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Geoscience & Petroleum Engineering,
Universiti Teknologi Petronas<Malaysia>
This study explored the comparison of geothermal energy development and utilization in three countries namely
Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. In this research, leading countries in geothermal field which are Japan andIndonesia were picked to be compared to an inexperienced country, Malaysia with respect to their geothermalenergy management and development. The aims of this study were to assist the government of Japan, Indonesia
and Malaysia to get a better understanding on their geothermal energy resources development and utilization bycomparison method to improve investment quality in the future as well as to improve the efficiency of geothermal
resources usage. This study was conducted based on comparison concept, collecting information through previous
researches conducted and paid a visit to the first geothermal site in Apas Kiri, Sabah.
From the study in Japan, as much as 2186.17MWt is used directly for the purpose of space heating and cooling,snow melting, and domestic hot water. Apart from direct use, geothermal heat energy is also used to produce
electricity through non-conventional geothermal technology. To promote geothermal in Japan, the government has
provided financial assistance to geothermal developers, lessen the land usage restrictions and introduced new Feedin Tariff system. Based on reports, geothermal energy emit almost zero amount of dangerous gases into the air,thus it would significantly improve the air quality. Geothermal energy operations has proven to benefit thecountry’s economy through various aspects mainly in providing jobs to the local community. In terms of educationand trainings, Japan is actively offering workforce training in geothermal field to educate future geothermalexperts. In Indonesia, a capacity of 23Mwt is directly used in mushroom cultivation, tea growing andpasteurization. Situated inside the Ring of Fire, Indonesia holds. 40% of total world’s geothermal potential. To
promote geothermal development in Indonesia, New Geothermal Law has been introduced in to replace the Old
Geothermal Law. Incorporating geothermal energy in Indonesia’s power system would help the country to reduce
the growing emission of CO2, which has been the main environmental concern in Indonesia. Indonesia also
provides workforce and industrial training in geothermal field. Malaysia has conducted its first geothermal projectin Tawau, Sabah expected to supply 100MW of energy. Hot springs are popular in Malaysia as recreational site
activities and the underground water is used as mineral or drinking water. The updated energy policy in Malaysia
is under The National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan established in 2010 as outlined in 10th Malaysia
Plan. Based on the data presented by Tawau Green Energy (TGE), the reading of CO2 emission in geothermal
plants is almost zero, it emits very little carbon dioxide and other dangerous gases into the air. The first geothermalenergy power plant would help to boost career opportunities in the local community and contribute to variations ofenergy system in Malaysia.
Publication of the Results of Research Project:
Verbal Presentation (Date, Venue, Name of Conference, Title of Presentation, Presenter, etc.)
Date: TBA
Venue: TBA
Name of Conference: Iceland Geothermal Conference 2017
Title of Presentation: A comparative study of geothermal energy resources development and utilization inJapan, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Presenter: Dr Sonny Irawan
Thesis (Name of Journal and its Date, Title and Author of Thesis, etc.)
Not ApplicableOpenBook (Publisher and Date of the Book, Title and Author of the Book, etc.)
Not ApplicableOpen