It seems a number of Dutch investors are interested in investing into geothermal power development in Garut, West Java. If completed, the USD 17 million investment would result in a geothermal power project capable of generating a minimum of 330 MW of electricity for the local areas. According to Garut Natural Resources and Mining Office, the initial investment will be disbursed next month.

The West Java government introduced prospects of geothermal power plants, stating the shares will be auctioned in 2009/2010 including the 160 MW geothermal power potential located at Mount Papandayan, which is the project of particular interest for the Dutch investors.

Garut has an estimated total of 1227 MW of geothermal power, but only about 455 MW have been used so far. Apart from investments in energy, Belgium and France have also expressed interest in investing in the area into the sugar cane and chocolate products and aromatic roots. The officials are hoping this will boost the development of the region, increasing revenues and economic growth.