Jakarta, INTI - The Garut Regency Government continues to promote the development of geothermal energy as part of its efforts to strengthen the utilization of new and renewable energy in the region. Garut Regent, Abdusy Syakur Amin, stated that three areas in Garut are considered to have significant potential for development as environmentally friendly power plants.
"The three locations currently considered potential are Cisurupan, Kamojang, and Karaha," said Syakur.
According to him, Garut Regency is rich in natural resources in the form of geothermal energy that can be utilized to meet national energy needs while simultaneously providing economic benefits to the region through revenue sharing fund (DBH).
He explained that geothermal development in the Kamojang area has the potential to increase electricity capacity by up to 55 megawatts (MW) through the construction of new wells. Meanwhile, the Karaha area, which is currently operational, still holds the potential for an additional 20 MW.
"Geothermal in Garut is a resource that offers significant potential for further development," he said.
Development in Cisurupan
In addition to Kamojang and Karaha, the government is also preparing a long-term plan for geothermal development in the Papandayan area, Cisurupan District. However, the project is still in the initial study phase, being conducted by the central government.
Syakur stated that the initial study process will take some time before moving on to further development.
"The central government has commissioned a preliminary study on the geothermal potential in Cisurupan. Because it is still in the initial stages, it will certainly require a relatively long time," he said.
He added that the Garut Regency Government has been actively communicating with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the National Energy Council to strengthen synergy in renewable energy development in the Garut region.
This step is considered crucial as part of the strategy to address future energy needs and accelerate the use of cleaner and more efficient energy.
"Energy is a primary need, and geothermal energy is a relatively inexpensive and environmentally friendly energy source," said Syakur.
Conclusion
The Garut Regency Government is promoting geothermal energy development as part of strengthening new and renewable energy in the region. Three areas considered to have significant potential are Kamojang, Karaha, and Cisurupan. Development in Kamojang is estimated to add up to 55 MW of electricity capacity, while Karaha still has the potential to add around 20 MW. Meanwhile, the geothermal project in Papandayan, Cisurupan, is still in the initial study stage by the central government.
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