Enviro News Asia, Abu Dhabi — Indonesia urged global energy investors to expand investment in its geothermal sector during the Geothermal Energy Dialogue held as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The forum brought together policymakers, financial institutions, and energy industry leaders to discuss the role of geothermal energy in accelerating the global clean energy transition.
The dialogue was attended by senior international stakeholders, including International Renewable Energy Agency Director-General Francesco La Camera, Morgan Stanley Managing Director Vikas Bharathwaaj, and Dutch Vice Minister for Climate Policy and Green Growth Frederik Wisselink, alongside representatives from governments and the private sector.
During the forum, Indonesia highlighted its geothermal potential of approximately 24 gigawatts, positioning the country among the world’s largest geothermal resource holders. However, only around 10 percent of this potential has been utilized, creating significant opportunities for international investment in clean and reliable energy development.
Indonesia emphasized that geothermal energy plays a strategic role as a baseload power source amid the growing deployment of intermittent renewable energy such as solar and wind. Geothermal power can operate continuously, is independent of weather conditions, and provides grid stability essential for national energy systems.
Indonesia also outlined its ongoing development of large-scale electricity transmission infrastructure, including a national super grid, aimed at connecting renewable energy production centers with high-demand regions, particularly Java Island. This infrastructure is expected to enhance the commercial viability of geothermal and other renewable energy projects.
From a regulatory perspective, the government reaffirmed its commitment to providing long-term legal certainty for investors through accelerated renewable energy policies and a strengthened carbon economic value framework. These policies allow geothermal projects to benefit not only from electricity sales but also from participation in carbon markets.
Indonesia noted that consistent policies, improved infrastructure, and stronger international collaboration are key to positioning geothermal energy as a pillar of national energy security while driving sustainable economic growth. (*)
