abcnews.go.com
Untapped Geothermal Potential: Indonesia and the Philippines Face Barriers to Clean Energy Growth
Indonesia and the Philippines, possessing vast untapped geothermal energy reserves, face financial, regulatory, and community challenges hindering development, despite government initiatives and international funding aiming to increase geothermal energy use by 2030.
- What are the main obstacles preventing Indonesia and the Philippines from fully harnessing their substantial geothermal energy potential?
- Indonesia and the Philippines, despite vast geothermal potential, utilize only a fraction, with Indonesia at 6% and the Philippines at 14.6% of capacity. Increased financing and regulatory changes are underway to address barriers hindering the development of this clean energy source. This untapped potential represents a significant opportunity for renewable energy growth.
- How are governments and financial institutions addressing the financial and regulatory barriers to geothermal development in Southeast Asia?
- The underutilization of geothermal energy stems from high exploration risks, limited climate finance (9% of ASEAN funding), and community resistance due to safety concerns and lack of understanding. However, initiatives like blended finance, green auctions, and government support are starting to alleviate these challenges.
- What role does community engagement play in the successful development and deployment of geothermal energy projects, and how can these concerns be effectively addressed?
- Future growth hinges on resolving community concerns through transparent engagement and benefit-sharing, and securing more climate finance. Indonesia aims for at least 8% geothermal energy by 2030, while the Philippines targets nearly doubling its current use via new projects. This expansion is critical for both nations' energy transitions and climate goals.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing leans towards highlighting the obstacles rather than the successes of geothermal energy development. The headline, while not explicitly biased, implicitly emphasizes the untapped potential rather than the existing achievements. The introductory paragraph sets a positive tone, but the article quickly shifts to a focus on challenges and limitations. The sequencing of information, leading with obstacles, sets a negative tone that persists throughout.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual. However, words and phrases like "gargantuan reserves," "stalled growth," and "deadly gas leaks" carry emotional weight and could subtly influence the reader's perception. More neutral alternatives could be used, such as "substantial reserves," "slowed growth," and "gas leaks resulting in fatalities."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the challenges and limitations of geothermal energy development, such as financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, and community resistance. While it mentions the potential benefits and growth projections, a more balanced approach would dedicate similar space to showcasing successful geothermal projects, highlighting the positive impacts on communities and the environment. The article also omits specific details about the types of gas leaks and their consequences in Indonesia, which would aid in a more complete understanding of the safety concerns.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present a false dichotomy, but the emphasis on challenges could inadvertently create an implied one between the potential of geothermal energy and the difficulties in realizing that potential. A more nuanced presentation would acknowledge both sides more equally.