PT Barito Renewables Energy (BREN) has commenced the development of five geothermal power plant (PLTP) projects with a total investment of US$364.8 million (Rp 5.9 trillion), marking a significant step in Indonesia’s clean energy transition.

The projects, managed by BREN’s subsidiary Star Energy Geothermal, will contribute a combined 112.2 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity. The groundbreaking ceremony was conducted virtually on June 26, 2025 by President Prabowo Subianto, with the main event taking place at Kawah Ijen in Bondowoso, East Java. Other project sites are located in Salak and Wayang Windu, West Java.

BREN President Director Hendra Soetjipto Tan said the projects reflect the company’s strong commitment to supporting the national energy transition agenda toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

“We are grateful to the President and relevant ministries for their support of the geothermal industry. We will continue to push for a greener future that positively impacts the communities around our operations,” Hendra said as quoted on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Beyond increasing the country’s power generation capacity, the projects are expected to drive local economic growth. An estimated 3,356 jobs will be created during the construction phase, aligning with efforts to promote low-carbon development.

The new and upgraded geothermal facilities will utilize advanced technologies. For example, the Salak Binary project will implement binary cycle systems that harness residual heat (brine), while Wayang Windu Unit 3 will use single flash technology and integrated control systems to optimize steam usage efficiency.

BREN’s geothermal projects and target
New developments:
● Salak Binary – 16.6 MW | US$45.5 million
Target: February 25, 2025;

● Wayang Windu Unit 3 – 30 MW | US$106.3 million, target: December 2026;

● Salak Unit 7 – 40 MW | USD 133 million, target: December 2026.

Retrofitting projects (capacity enhancements):

● Salak Units 4, 5, 6 – Additional 7.2 MW | US$23 million, target: August 2025;

● Wayang Windu Units 1 and 2 – Additional 18.4 MW | US$57 million, target: January 2026.