Geo Dipa partners with Dutch consultancy for geothermal lithium pilot project in Indonesia - ThinkGeoEnergy
Published December 17, 2025
Geo Dipa Collaborates with Dutch Consultancy for Geothermal Lithium Pilot Project in Indonesia
Geo Dipa Energi, an Indonesian state-owned enterprise, has entered into a partnership with a Dutch consultancy firm to initiate a pilot project focused on extracting lithium from geothermal resources in Indonesia. This collaboration aims to explore the potential of geothermal brine as a source for lithium, a critical component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.
The pilot project will be conducted at the Dieng geothermal field, located in Central Java, which is known for its significant geothermal energy potential. The partnership is expected to leverage the expertise of the Dutch consultancy in geothermal lithium extraction technologies, which have been successfully implemented in various countries around the world.
Project Objectives and Significance
The primary objective of the pilot project is to assess the feasibility of lithium extraction from geothermal brine in Indonesia. Lithium is increasingly in demand due to the global shift towards electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. By tapping into geothermal resources, Indonesia could position itself as a key player in the lithium market, which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Geo Dipa Energi has identified the potential of using geothermal brine, which contains dissolved minerals, including lithium, as a sustainable source for lithium extraction. The pilot project will involve testing various extraction methods and evaluating the economic viability of large-scale lithium production from geothermal resources.
Background on Geo Dipa Energi
Geo Dipa Energi was established in 2002 and is a subsidiary of the Indonesian state-owned electricity company, PLN (Perusahaan Listrik Negara). The company is primarily engaged in the development and operation of geothermal power plants in Indonesia. With a focus on sustainable energy solutions, Geo Dipa Energi has been actively involved in harnessing the country’s abundant geothermal resources to produce clean and renewable energy.
The company currently operates two geothermal power plants: the Dieng power plant in Central Java and the Patuha power plant in West Java. Together, these plants have a total installed capacity of 227 megawatts (MW), contributing significantly to Indonesia's renewable energy generation.
Geothermal Lithium Extraction: A Growing Trend
The extraction of lithium from geothermal brine is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to traditional lithium mining methods. Conventional lithium extraction often involves mining hard rock or evaporating brine from salt flats, which can have significant environmental impacts. In contrast, geothermal lithium extraction utilizes the hot brine that is already produced during geothermal energy generation, minimizing environmental disruption.
Several countries, including the United States, Chile, and Australia, are exploring geothermal lithium extraction as a viable method to meet the growing demand for lithium. The technology has the potential to provide a more sustainable and efficient means of lithium production while also contributing to the overall energy transition towards renewable sources.
Next Steps for the Pilot Project
As part of the pilot project, Geo Dipa Energi and the Dutch consultancy will conduct a series of studies and tests to evaluate the lithium concentration in the geothermal brine at the Dieng geothermal field. The results of these studies will inform the development of a larger-scale lithium extraction operation, should the pilot project prove successful.
The collaboration is also expected to foster knowledge transfer and capacity building between the Indonesian and Dutch teams, enhancing local expertise in geothermal lithium extraction technologies. This partnership aligns with Indonesia's broader goals of increasing its renewable energy capacity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Conclusion
The partnership between Geo Dipa Energi and the Dutch consultancy marks a significant step towards exploring the potential of geothermal lithium extraction in Indonesia. As the demand for lithium continues to rise globally, this pilot project could pave the way for Indonesia to become a key player in the lithium market, while also promoting sustainable energy practices. The success of this initiative may not only benefit the local economy but also contribute to the global transition towards cleaner energy solutions.
With the pilot project set to commence soon, stakeholders in the renewable energy sector will be closely monitoring its progress and outcomes. The collaboration exemplifies the innovative approaches being taken to harness geothermal resources for multiple applications, including the production of critical minerals for the energy transition.
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