ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT: EFFECTS OF WASTE GAS DISPOSAL

The utilization of geothermal energy generally results in emissions of the non condensables gas (NCG) discharged into the atmosphere. The main environmental concern associated with such emission derives from the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) contained in the NCG. Although high concentration of H2S are acutety toxic, exposure to low concentration is not generally associated with adverse health effects . The effects of acute exposures of humans and a variety of experimental animals to high levels of H2S are well documented. All geothermal power plants in Indonesia are currently allowed to discharge H2S into the atmosphere. In the near future, odour nuisance will probably require an abatment of H2S emission in the sensitive areas.The paper provides environmental effects of aste gas disposal (H2S) of the different geothermal power plants operation in Indonesia.