PUSPIPTEK energy research laboratory

The evaluation covered the period FY82-3/89. The project is currently stagnating, largely due to the complexity of current contracting arrangements and the use of inexperienced host-country contractors. The use of a single contractor would relieve USAID/I and the GOI of some of the management burden and would provide greater efficiency. The project laboratory is needed and would be sustained by both public and private institutions once established. The laboratory could also have a significant value to U.S. steam generation and coal preparation interests by promoting U.S. coal combustion technology. However, the combustion facilities specified for the laboratory are currently general in nature and should be more focused on Indonesia"s immediate needs -- the characterization of Indonesian coals, the application of the coals using different steam generation technologies, and the development and evaluation of clean coal combustion techniques. Successful projects in these areas would establish the technical capabilities of the laboratory and would provide technical personnel with the necessary training for carrying out more advanced energy technology projects. To date, the technical development of laboratory staff has been slow due to nonavailability of equipment and a lack of direction from all parties involved in the project. There is a need for additional short- and long-term TA for personnel training.