Geothermal Direct Use for Silkworm Cultivation as a CSR Program in Wayang Windu Geothermal Field: Thermal Energy Calculation Approach

Abstract

Geothermal energy resources in West Java, Indonesia, are mostly utilized for electricity generation. Still, they can also be used for direct-use applications. Star Energy Limited, the operator of the Wayang Windu power plant located in Pengalengan and Kertasari Districts, West Java, plans to use non-commercial wells for silkworm cultivation, a community economic activity supported by the company's Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. One silkworm farming group in the Wayang Windu field can produce 240 kg of cocoons per production cycle. Silkworm cultivation's thermal energy calculation was studied, including key components such as heat exchangers. This calculation will utilize a WWS-1 non-commercial heating well. The well can generate around 17 MWt. Based on the calculations, it takes about 0.15 MWt to make 10 kilograms of cocoons. It means it needs 3.7 MWt per production cycle of a silkworm cultivation house so that the well can meet the heat requirements of silk yarn production. The heat of 3.7 MWt is equivalent to 0.5 kg of coal or 1.4 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, the WWS-1 well can supply the energy requirements of three of the seven silkworm cultivation houses in the Wayang Windu area. The planned silkworm-growing project is proposed to be located near WWS-1, accessible through public roads, and managed by a third party with the community's help. The proposed plan for managing community development relies on geothermal energy. The geothermal developer provides equipment and facilities for direct use, handing over management to third parties like business cooperatives. Overall, this project has the potential to benefit the community and promote the use of clean energy in the production of goods. This project is an excellent case study of how geothermal energy may be used for community development without interfering with the main task of a geothermal field for generating electricity.