Yogyakarta, Sept. 13 -- A geologist from Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Pri Utami, emphasized the importance of geoscience research before conducting geothermal exploration for the development of geothermal power plants (PLTP).

In her statement in Yogyakarta on Friday, Utami said that geothermal development at the exploration stage carries high investment risks, with drilling costs of around 10 million US dollars per well.

"To reduce these risks, investments in geoscience research - covering geology, geochemistry, and geophysics -are needed to provide a more detailed understanding of subsurface conditions," she said.

She explained that current geothermal energy development focuses on high-temperature hydrothermal systems in young volcan...