UGM develops geothermal cooling system for campus buildings

MOU event with ProjectInnerspace, GeoEnergis and UGM (source: UGM)

Alexander Richter 11 Dec 2025

Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has announced progress on a geothermal-based cooling system designed to support energy efficiency across its campus buildings. The initiative is part of the university’s broader commitment to research and innovation in renewable energy applications that can reduce dependence on conventional cooling technologies.

The project explores how shallow geothermal resources can provide cooling in Indonesia’s tropical climate, where electricity use for air conditioning represents a significant share of building energy consumption.

The project builds on one of the key findings of a new report by ProjectInnerspace on the geothermal potential in Indonesia, Indonesia’s significant potential for geothermal cooling, Project InnerSpace will fund the feasibility study at UGM to evaluate a campus geothermal cooling project. If the study is successful, Project InnerSpace intends to advance the project through its GeoFund program.

Focus on direct-use geothermal applications

According to UGM, the system uses stable subsurface temperatures to support building cooling loads and reduce reliance on electrical chillers. The research aims to identify design parameters that can be adapted for public facilities such as universities, hospitals, and office buildings.

UGM noted that geothermal cooling offers potential long-term benefits, including lower operational costs and reduced emissions. The work is also aligned with Indonesia’s efforts to expand geothermal utilisation beyond power generation.

A representative from UGM said the project will help strengthen local expertise in geothermal direct use and provide technical evidence for wider adoption across institutional buildings.

Supporting Indonesia’s clean energy goals

The initiative is one of several efforts in Indonesia to explore new geothermal applications as part of national decarbonisation plans. Research institutions and public agencies are increasingly assessing how geothermal resources can serve heating, cooling, and industrial uses alongside electricity production.

UGM stated that it will continue system testing and data analysis to understand seasonal performance and operational requirements. Further collaboration with government and industry partners is expected as the research progresses.

Source: UGM announcement