Commentary

In the wake of the earthquake in Japan and the subsequent problems with several nuclear plants, people are beginning to doubt nuclear energy more and more. Many say that we need to replace nuclear energy with renewable energies. But do they consider the amounts of energy that will be needed to replace nuclear energy?

Overview On 16 February 2011, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (the MEMR) issued a new regulation on Electricity Pricing for Indonesian Geothermal Projects (MEMR Reg 2/2011). This new regulation is important because it obliges PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (Persero) (PLN) to buy electricity from independent geothermal power producers and sets price guidelines for the purchase of the power by PLN under the applicable power purchase agreements (PPAs). This regulation will be used as a reference for all geothermal power projects in Indonesia. The procedure for establishing tariffs for Indonesian geothermal power projects has lacked clarity for some years. We expect that MEMR Reg 2/2011 will provide greater certainty to the process of settling tariffs for such projects, thereby expediting the negotiation of geothermal PPAs and helping to provide much-needed impetus to the development of this sector.

“Asia is rolling out its new build ambition on a global basis, but technology vendors should be mindful of a range of challenges that could arise in new nuclear jurisdictions”, say John Yeap and Carl Watson.

The impressive safety and efficiency of modern coal power plants can only be maintained through careful attention to the operating conditions in all stages of the process.

Soaring energy needs, volatile oil prices and an increased focus on curbing global warming have spurred investments in clean energy, or “green financing”.

The three ring circus that was COP-15 has long since packed up leaving behind recriminations and all sorts of “I told you so’s”.

Consequently, the country’s grid companies will need to improve their power transmission technologies.