Directorate General of New Renewable Energy and Conservation Ministry of Energy and Human Resources Rida Mulyana on Friday said that she will further intensify synergies and coordination with relevant agencies to accelerate the development of geothermal energy.
"In the years ahead, geothermal will be more optimized, so that it can reduce fuel consumption," she said.
Additionally, she point out that the government will complete the development of 28 points of geothermal locations in partnership with the Ministry of Forestry.
The country's trade deficit reached US$1.65 billion last year, the first deficit in Indonesia's history, and this is largely attributed to an increase in the importation of oil and gas.
In 2012, oil imports recorded US$42.56 billion compared to the 2011 figure of US$40.7 billion.
The importation of oil and gas, especially petrol, will continue to rise due to demand, however, production of the product has not.
Rida added, that new and renewable energy (EBT) such as geothermal, water, solar, and biomass will have to be researched and implemented as they will be the fuel for the future.
She said that the government will try to achieve the target of 25% renewable energy use in the overall usage of energy in the country.
(S038//O001)
Editor: Suryanto
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