A Gift for 76th Independence of Republic of Indonesia: The World’s First Geothermal Technology by Pertamina Geothermal Energy Perwira

Jakarta, Agustus 17, 2021 – PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE), a subsidiary of PT Pertamina (Persero), continues to innovate to accelerate geothermal energy development in the country. Among them, the innovation created by a Perwira, Husni Mubarok, Production Engineer of PGE who has developed a two-phase flow meter as the world’s first geothermal technology breakthrough.

This two-phase fluid technology by Husni Mubarok is also a PGE's gift for the 76th independence of Indonesia. “This is a modest gift from us for this country,” said PGE's President Director Ahmad Yuniarto.

Starting from the research of his doctoral program in New Zealand, Husni developed a two-phase flow meter measurement system. This technology serves to ensure real-time data on geothermal fluids in production wells. Therefore, it can be assured that the operational excellence performance and the quality of a geothermal well can be maintained.

Husni said that he got this idea during his study at the University of Auckland. Husni started by identifying the problems that occur in geothermal wells. “I see that there is no technology which measures two-phase geothermal fluids. During my 3.5 years of studying in New Zealand, I focused on creating the idea of how to create this technology,” said Husni, who started his studies in 2016.

Husni’s research has direct support from PGE and the New Zealand government. Energy companies in New Zealand are also willing to facilitate the research. Namely by providing experimental facilities in several of their wells. As a result, Husni was able to find a suitable composition to create technology for measuring two-phase fluids implemented in geothermal wells.

What are the superiorities of the world’s first geothermal technology? Indeed, with this technology, geothermal companies can monitor wells during production. The company can also overcome potential problems in geothermal wells without disrupting production. “Equally important, staff or workers in the production department can predict the resources in the field. This tool can predict how long the productivity of geothermal wells will take,” said Husni.

This two-phase fluid technology is currently still in the field prototype stage for testing operations in the geothermal field. Once this stage is complete, it can be applied more widely. To implement the test, PT PGE has signed a cooperation agreement with PT Elnusa Tbk, which is also a subsidiary of Pertamina. The signing was carried out directly by PGE's President Director Ahmad Yuniarto, and Elnusa's President Director Ali Mundakir, on June 3, 2021.

“After the operation test, this technology is expected to be widely used. This is also PGE’s contribution to the development of geothermal technology in Indonesia and internationally,” said Ahmad Yuniarto.

It is targeted that this product can be launched and produced commercially in late 2021 or early 2022.