Following a series of surface surveys and evaluations done since 2017, exploration drilling at three sites in the Seulawah Agam Geothermal Working Area (WKP) in Aceh Besar, Indonesia can proceed by 2025. This was indicated by Edwil Suzandi, Director of Exploration and Developemnt of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGEO), which is developing the project with PT Pembangunan Aceh (PEMA).
The partnership between the two parties was signed back in 2017, after PGEO won the tender for the Seulawah Agam site.
The Seulawah Agam geothermal site has potential of up to 320 MW based on initial studies. Supplementing this updates, PGEO and PEMA have done geoscience surveys and geohazard mapping at the site, with conceptual model updates reported in 2022-2024. Edwil stated that the further studies provided strong technical basis to proceed to exploration drilling.
If developed, the Seulawah Agam project will be the first geothermal power plant in the Aceh region of Indonesia. The project is currently at the land acquisition stage. With the drilling sites already identified, the next step would be to build access roads to support logistics and operations. The project partners are planning to start drilling in 2025.
Edwil also stated gratitude for the support of the Aceh Government and local institutions and communities for the project. “We will continue to work with all stakeholders, including local communities, at every stage of the development of this project.”
Acting Governor of Aceh, Safrizal, also reaffirmed support for the project while also prioritizing the interests of the community and the environment.
