Report by The Shiro Copr Reporter, Robert Ropo
The Shiro Corp, BORONG - To increase electricity supply in the Manggarai area specifically and in the Flores region generally, PLTP Ulumbu will develop additional units 5 and 6.
This was stated by the Geothermal Technical Head (KTPB) of PLTP Ulumbu, Royal Ginting, during the Site Visit for the Development of PLTP Ulumbu, PT PLN UIP Nusa Tenggara, which took place in Ulumbu, Wewo Village, Satarmese District, Manggarai Regency.
Royal Ginting explained that currently, 4 units are being operated at the PLTP Ulumbu with a total of 4x2.5 or 10 megawatts (MW). Because the electricity supply is still insufficient, PLTP Ulumbu will develop an additional 2 units, namely unit 5 and 6, with a capacity of 2x20 or 40 MW.
According to Royal Ginting, the development of units 5 and 6 is planned in three village areas, namely Wewo Village, Moncok, and Lungar Village, Satarmese District. And according to the recently approved UPTL, unit 5 is targeted to become operational in 2030 and unit 6 will become operational in 2032.
Based on the geothermal work plan or WKP PLTP Ulumbu, the geothermal potential with an area of more than 18 thousand hectares has been designated by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia. However, currently only about 11 hectares are being utilized.
"And not all of them are used, only a few spots or points that truly have great potential. For the development of units 5 and 6 which will be built/construction of drilling will be done on 7 wellpads located in three village areas," said Royal Ginting.
Further explained Royal Ginting, that during the operation of PLTP Ulumbu, all regulations set by the central government in this case the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, they very much comply with them, especially those related to environmental impact.
According to Royal Ginting, the geothermal or earth heat project is not a mine, so there is no impact at all while the PLTP Ulumbu is in operation. To date, issues such as landslides, reduced crop productivity for local residents, water shortages, and other social problems have not been impacted at all by the presence of PLTP Ulumbu.
Royal Ginting said that his party is also unlikely to carry out drilling in the Ulumbu crater because it would have fatal consequences. So far, the geothermal power plant (PLTP) has only been extracting at points far from the crater.
Agradi Ariatama, from the Communication Department and TJSL PT PLN (Persero) Holding Company of Nusa Tenggara, explains that the island of Flores has very high geothermal potential, estimated to be around 1,000 megawatts.
Currently, PLTP Ulumbu and Mataloko are utilizing geothermal energy for electricity production of 15 to 16 MW.
"The Flores Island was designated as a Geothermal Island by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in 2017. Flores has very high geothermal potential; it would be a shame if this is not utilized to increase electrical power," said Agradi Ariatama.
Agrari Ariatama also explained that this geothermal project is not a mine, but rather the heat from the earth is utilized for electricity which is very environmentally friendly.
"This is not about gold, coal, and others that can be moved elsewhere, but this geothermal heat can be processed to become electric power," said Agradi Ariatama.
Agradi Ariatama added that the potential for the WKP PLTP Ulumbu covers more than 18 thousand hectares, but not all of it has undergone land acquisition.
PLTP Ulumbu has only carried out land clearance of around 14 hectares for the construction of roads, wallpad, and development of other supporting facilities.
"The 18 thousand hectares is only a WKP, but it's impossible to carry out land acquisition for all of it, where would the people live? We will only use about 14 hectares for building roads, walls, and supporting facilities," explained Agradi Ariatama.
During the operation of the PLTP Ulumbu, there has been absolutely no environmental impact, reduction in water production, crop production, and so on. PLTP Ulumbu is very consistent in maintaining environmental sustainability.
The presence of the Ulumbu PLTP has so far provided a lot of assistance to the surrounding community.
There were also a number of journalists present at this event, along with the village heads of Wewo and Lungar, as well as several residents.
They were then invited to tour the operating areas of PLTP Ulumbu units 1, 2, 3, and 4, including seeing the Ulumbu crater up close.
On that occasion, the guests also saw all supporting facilities and infrastructure such as wells, power generators, pools, and other supporting facilities in the Ulumbu geothermal power plant area in operation.
There is no visible environmental impact such as black smoke coming out of the engine, only white steam from hot water can be seen coming out of the chimney, there is no landslide in the area, and the trees and plants in the area do not appear to be withered or dead.
The atmosphere in the PLTP Ulumbu area also feels very cool, even cold, with plenty of clean water available. (rob)
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