Ambassador Visits Subterranean Hydropower Station
On 20 September, the German Ambassador to Indonesia, Dr Norbert Baas, visited the subterranean hydropower station in Bribin in the Gunung Kidul region on the island of Java.
The German Ambassador to Indonesia, Dr Norbert Baas (2nd from left), next to a turbine-pump unit by KSB installed in the hydropower station in Bribin in the Gunung Kidul region on the island of Java. (Photo credit: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT))
Here, in cooperation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), renowned German companies realised a project for ”Water Resources Management of an Underground River in a Karst Area” funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. For this station, the pump manufacturer KSB supplied a turbine-pump unit which can pump drinking water from a depth of about 100 metres to the surface without the need for any external electrical energy. The required drive energy is gained by making use of the gradient and the hydropower of an underground river. The technology used is very straightforward allowing Indonesian staff to operate the station on their own. Since living conditions of the local population have significantly improved thanks to this additional source of drinking water - particularly in the current dry season – the project and the people working on site are highly esteemed by the locals. This is also reflected in the extremely positive local media coverage of the recent months. Prior to completion of the subterranean hydropower station, the region was one of the most arid in Indonesia. Dr Baas was very impressed with the joint performance of the German and Indonesian partners and declared that he would support such projects as best he can, wishing all those involved the best for their future work.
Source: KSB SE & Co. KGaA
