Geothermal Master’s Program of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Faculty of Mining and Petroleum Engineering (FTTM), has established a research collaboration with the University of Michigan and the American Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF) through the Fulbright Student Research Program.

As part of this collaboration, Ms. Elizabeth Oliphant, an undergraduate student from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, conducted geothermal research in Indonesia under the supervision of Dr. Eng. Ir. Suryantini from the ITB Geothermal Master’s Program. Ms. Oliphant is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science, with minors in Energy Science and Policy, German, and Oceanography, and is a recipient of the University Honors program.

Her research, entitled “Utilizing Vapor Core and Two-Phase Geothermal Systems to Power Indonesia: An Analysis of the Geothermal System Gradient in West Java,” focuses on improving the understanding of geothermal system gradients in West Java. The study aims to enhance the utilization of vapor-core and two-phase geothermal systems, which are expected to play an increasingly important role as Indonesia expands its geothermal energy development.

The research involved developing a descriptive model to identify and classify different geothermal system types, including neutral liquid-dominated, vapor-dominated, vapor-core, and various forms of two-phase systems. By improving system identification, the research is expected to support Indonesian geothermal companies in reducing exploration risks and costs, thereby improving the economic competitiveness of geothermal energy.

This research was fully funded by the Fulbright Student Research Award administered by AMINEF and was conducted in close collaboration with ITB. The findings are anticipated to contribute to Indonesia’s geothermal development strategy and support the national target of increasing renewable energy utilization by 2025. Through this collaboration, ITB continues to strengthen international academic partnerships and contribute to the advancement of sustainable and clean energy development in Indonesia.