PGE And AGIL Sign Cooperation In Geothermal Development In Kenya

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk (PGE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Africa Geothermal International No. 1 Limited (AGIL No. 1) to develop geothermal potential in the Longonot concession in Kenya.

The signing of the MoU was carried out by the Board of Directors of Africa Geothermal International Limited (AGIL) Fred N. Ojiambo and President Director of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk Julfi Hadi in Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, August 20.

President Director of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Tbk, Julfi Hadi explained, MoU with AGIL is PGE's strategic step for technology development and utilization of geothermal resources abroad.

"Longonot has an advantage over location and a geological location that makes it an interesting prospect. Through this collaboration, PGE has the opportunity to take part in the development of new and renewable energy, as well as our effort to become a global geothermal producer," he said in a written statement, Monday, August 21.

Just so you know, AGIL is a subsidiary of AGIL No.1 which is a limited company in Kenya engaged in the development of geothermal energy.

One of them is through the Longonot concession area in Kenya, which has a potential development of up to 500 megawatts (MW) of which 140 MW is ready for exploitation.

Julfi added that Africa is a new epicenter of economic growth, so it can create a good investment climate.

In the field of geothermal development, he said, Kenya is the leading country in the African region with an installed capacity of 865 MW and is in 7th position in the global ranking.

As a geothermal producer, he revealed, PGE and AGIL have great expertise and experience in geothermal development as renewable energy.

"Of course we hope that collaboration in the form of geothermal development cooperation can increase the business exposure of both parties," he said.

Currently, Indonesia has 2,356 MW installed capacity and 80 percent of them or around 1,877 MW come from the PGE working area where 672 megawatts (MW) are managed directly by PGE.

PGE targets the development of self-operated installed capacity of up to 1 gigawatt (GW) in the next two years.

"We are optimistic that Pertamina Geothermal Energy's strategic efforts in Africa can support the Company's target of increasing installed capacity, expanding its clean energy portfolio internationally in order to achieve the aspirations of the world's clean energy companies and support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and depend on fossil energy sources," concluded Julfi.