West Sumatra has shown its seriousness in exploiting the abundance of geothermal energy with initial drilling carried out in South Solok regency two weeks ago. The pilot project has the potential to produce 440 MWe and is expected to begin generating power by early 2015.
West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno said the provincial administration were set to explore 16 potential geothermal spots along the Sumatran fault line. In the near future, a tender will be carried out to exploit a location in Bonjol, Pasaman regency. Chevron and the Bakrie Group are among the companies that have expressed an interest.
