Overview
Wayang Windu is a 227 MW geothermal power plant in West Java, Indonesia, operated by PT. Star Energy. It is one of the largest geothermal facilities in the country, contributing to Indonesia's renewable energy portfolio.
Wayang Windu is a geothermal power plant located in West Java, Indonesia, with an installed capacity of 227 megawatts. Operated by PT. Star Energy, the facility plays a significant role in Indonesia's geothermal energy sector, which is among the largest globally due to the country's volcanic geology. The plant is situated in the mountainous region near the Wayang Windu volcano, leveraging high-temperature geothermal reservoirs for power generation. The plant utilizes geothermal steam to drive turbines, a technology that produces low emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. Indonesia's regulatory framework for geothermal energy includes the Geothermal Law No. 21/2014 and supporting regulations that promote renewable energy development. Wayang Windu's capacity places it in the large-scale category for geothermal plants, which typically range from 10 MW to over 200 MW. The facility's operational status is active, contributing to the Java-Bali power grid. Environmentally, Wayang Windu provides a low-carbon energy source, reducing reliance on coal and natural gas. Geothermal plants have a small land footprint and emit minimal greenhouse gases, though they can release trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide. The plant supports local communities through employment and energy access, aligning with Indonesia's goals to increase renewable energy share to 23% by 2025. Its location in a seismically active region requires robust engineering to ensure safety and reliability.
Environmental context
Wayang Windu's geothermal operation produces negligible CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuel plants, contributing to Indonesia's climate targets. The plant's location in a volcanic area means it taps into a renewable heat source, but also requires careful management of geothermal fluids to prevent land subsidence and induced seismicity. The facility's 227 MW capacity displaces significant coal-fired generation, reducing local air pollutants like SOx and NOx. Proximity to populated areas is moderate, with the plant situated in a rural region of West Java.
Frequently asked questions
Wayang Windu is located in West Java, Indonesia, near the Wayang Windu volcano, approximately 40 km south of Bandung.
Wayang Windu has an installed capacity of 227 megawatts, making it one of the largest geothermal plants in Indonesia.
The plant is operated by PT. Star Energy, an Indonesian geothermal energy company.
Geothermal plants in Indonesia are regulated under the Geothermal Law No. 21/2014, which promotes renewable energy development, and are subject to environmental impact assessments and permits from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Wayang Windu provides low-carbon baseload power to the Java-Bali grid, supporting Indonesia's target of 23% renewable energy by 2025 and reducing reliance on coal-fired generation.