Indonesia Sea Flow has Potential 41 GW

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta- The potential of ocean energy Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) or electricity generated from the difference in temperature of deep sea currents with sea level in Indonesia has a potential capacity of 41 GW.

"In addition to conducting research on the identification of sedimenter basins to support the preparation of WK oil and gas, sea water temperature data is also taken as identification of OTEC potential data," said Head of Center for Marine Geological Research and Development (PPPGL) Eddy Usman.

When heading the waters of the Sunda Strait with Geomarin III Ship to Antara on Sunday, Ediar said OTEC's potential in Indonesia is the largest in the world, spread on the west coast of Sumatra, South Java, Sulawesi, North Maluku. Bali and Lembata NTT. PPPGL has reviewed and assessed the potential of OTEC at 17 locations by 41 GW.

OTEC is part of renewable energy and sourced from the differences in seawater temperatures found in tropical marine waters, he added.

The potential of marine heat energy in Indonesian waters is predicted to generate power of about 240,000 MW. Eastern Indonesia has a greater T (temperature difference) value than western Indonesia.

Utilization of OTEC has a positive impact on the economy of the surrounding community. This energy is economic value higher than other energy sources. This energy produces electricity and pure water by evaporation of seawater.

The use of OTEC in the field of fisheries provides nutrients to marine biota at sea level. Examples of small-scale OTEC plants are in Kumijima, Japan and Hawaii. Meanwhile China, South Korea and India, are currently building an OTEC power plant with a capacity of 10 Mega Watt (MW).

PPPGL has designed a strategic step in OTEC research, primarily determining prospect locations throughout Indonesia as a basis for OTEC investments. Such measures include, first, regional and detailed surveys, technical and economical.

Furthermore, potential surveys in North Bali and Lembata use Geomarin III (2017), followed by pre feasibility studies and feasibility studies (2018). Third, the study of other technical and scientific aspects including social, cultural and economic, the four Pilot Project location selection in Indonesia as well. And the fifth of government support on OTEC development.

Today, Sunday (6/8), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) conducted trials of Geomarin III seismic survey vessels in Sunda Strait Waters to look for potential natural resources (oil and gas) as well as minerals under the sea.

He explained, Geomarin III ship is a ship with advanced technology that is able to detect the potential of energy reserves either in the form of oil or gas on the seabed. (Ant)