Geothermal Energy as a Major Source of Renewable Energy - Learning from Asian Neighbours

Abstract

Energy is one of the fundamental necessities for economic growth, increased social equity, and an environment that allows livelihoods to thrive. Development is not possible without energy, and sustainable development is not possible without sustainable energy. Renewable Energy (RE) is a key to sustainable development and offers an opportunity to improve access to modern energy services for the impoverished segments of society, which is essential for sustainable community development. In Asia, Indonesia and the Philippines are rich in Geothermal (GT) energy. Being a renewable, sustainable, and indigenous energy resource, GT is reliable because its supply is independent of season and global energy market dynamics. Japan has a huge potential for GT and wants to expand renewable energy resources after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Accident. In the near future, GT is set to lay a major role in national energy supply in Japan. Therefore, the objective of this study is to look at various challenges and opportunities in GT energy policies of Indonesia and the Philippines to adopt them to meet Japanese needs in the future.