Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman, Garut, West Java – Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry geothermal director Ida Nuryatin said on Friday that total non-tax revenue from the geothermal energy sector in West Java has reached Rp 1.1 trillion (US$72.86 million) so far this year.
Ida said that of the total revenue, 80 percent was for the West Java administration and 20 percent for the central government. West Java produces 61 percent or 1,194 megawatts (MW) of the 1,948 MW national geothermal energy production.
"We have abundant potential geothermal energy in West Java compared to other regions. We have seven geothermal power plants in West Java," she said, adding that the power plants were located in Kamojang, Salak, Darajat, Wayang Windu, Patuha, Karaha and Cibuni.
She explained that the one in Cibuni, which is in a pre-production phase, would have an installed-capacity of 30 MW once it came on stream.
The Salak power plant, which has an installed capacity of 377 MW, has contributed Rp 237.8 billion in nontax revenue as of September, 114 percent of the full-year target of Rp 208.8 billion.
Garut Regent Rudi Gunawan said his administration had benefited from the presence of the Kamojang power plant. "Funds that we receive from the operation of Kamojang power plant are useful for development in the regency and in improving the welfare of our people," he said. (bbn)