Indonesia and New Zealand reaffirm geothermal cooperation

Testing of production well at Ngawha project, New Zealand (source: Top Energy)

The governments of Indonesia and New Zealand have agreed to extend the cooperation between the two countries in the geothermal sector. The program, named Indonesia-Aotearoa New Zealand Geothermal Energy Program (PINZ), has been extended for the 2023-2028 period.

New Zealand has also given a funding commitment of NZD 15.64 million (approx. USD 9.9 million) to aid in the development of the geothermal industry in Indonesia. The partnership was made by the New Zealand government thru the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The cooperation between New Zealand and Indonesia has been well-established for more than a decade. In the past, the two countries have signed agreements for specialized geothermal training, geothermal drilling project development, scholarships for Indonesian students, and other bilateral cooperation opportunities.

“We are very grateful to have good cooperation with the Government of New Zealand through MFAT and the New Zealand Embassy. I hope that this joint effort that has been built can accelerate geothermal development in Indonesia and provide sustainable solutions to support Indonesia’s energy transition,” said Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif.

Arifin also said that New Zealand has a lot of resources and expertise in geothermal development, including direct use applications and more innovative operations for carbon capture and storage or the production of green hydrogen.

“Aotearoa New Zealand is strengthening support for Indonesia’s geothermal energy sector through continued investment in the PINZ program. This collaboration will help reduce climate emissions, and benefit the Indo-Pacific region broadly,” said New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Nanaia Mahuta.

Source: Republika