Geothermal power plant as a sustainable renewable energy alternative: Innovations and engineering solutions

Background: Indonesia is an area with abundant geothermal energy availability, totaling approximately 28,617 MW, due to its location on the Ring of Fire between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. However, this availability does not automatically prioritize geothermal power plants (GPP) as a substitute for fossil fuels in the future. GPP ranks third in priority, below hydropower plants (PLTA) and biomass power plants (PLT Biomasa). Methods: This study aims to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of geothermal energy supply. The article employs a qualitative method through a literature review and SWOT analysis to describe the phenomenon of geothermal energy in Indonesia. Findings: Geothermal energy in Indonesia has several strengths, including reliability, stability, efficiency, minimal emissions, and direct benefits to local communities. However, it also faces challenges such as high investment costs, complex technology, long development periods, geographic dependence, potential conflicts with indigenous communities, and environmental impacts. Opportunities for growth include supportive regulations like Law No. 21/2014, while threats involve insufficient government policies, licensing hurdles, and resistance from local communities and international scrutiny. Conclusion: This study uniquely applies a SWOT analysis to geothermal energy in Indonesia, highlighting specific strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It offers fresh insights into how geothermal energy can be integrated into Indonesia’s energy strategy, emphasizing the need for policy, technological, and financial improvements to overcome current challenges and enhance its role in sustainable energy transitions. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study uniquely applies a SWOT analysis to geothermal energy in Indonesia, highlighting specific strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It offers fresh insights into how geothermal energy can be integrated into Indonesia’s energy strategy, emphasizing the need for policy, technological, and financial improvements to overcome current challenges and enhance its role in sustainable energy transitions.