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Doctoral Candidate

Rony Nugraha

Department of Engineering Science & Biomedical Engineering
rnug441@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Rony is an energy consultant and PhD researcher working to improve how underground geothermal systems are modelled, helping to make geothermal energy projects more efficient and reliable – from well to reservoir.

About

Rony is a doctoral candidate in the School of Engineering Science at the University of Auckland. His research focuses on improving the efficiency of geothermal simulations by coupling wellbore and reservoir models. Supported by a University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarship, his work explores different numerical approaches to integrated simulation, including the use of tools like T2well and Leapfrog for geological modelling and system analysis. Beyond his main research, Rony has contributed to the development of modelling methods for early-stage geothermal exploration, including uncertainty quantification in resource estimation.

Before returning to academia, Rony worked as a drilling fluids engineer at Halliburton – Baroid and later as a drilling engineer and fluids specialist on geothermal projects across Indonesia. His experience in the field led him to pursue postgraduate study, beginning with a master’s degree and progressing to doctoral research in 2020 under the supervision of Prof. Piaras Kelly and Dr. John O’Sullivan.

In parallel with his research, Rony is the founder and CEO of Geoenergis, an energy consultancy based in Jakarta, made up largely of fellow University of Auckland alumni.

Professional Experience

2018 - Present

Reservoir Engineer and Modeller

Geothermal Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand
  • Generate 3D geological models of several geothermal areas using Leapfrog Geothermal.
  • Develop the numerical models of several geothermal systems using Leapfrog Geothermal and Python scripts.
  • Simulate the natural state model of several numerical models using AUTOUGH2 and Waiwera.
2020 - Present

Senior Project Manager and Reservoir Team Lead

Geoenergi Solusi, Indonesia
  • Led the development, calibration, and forecasting of geothermal reservoir models using numerical simulation tools (e.g. AUTOUGH2, Waiwera) supporting field development and sustainability analysis.
  • Oversaw integration of multidisciplinary data (geological, geophysical, petrophysical, production) into reservoir characterisation and resource assessment workflows.
  • Managed cross-functional teams and coordinated activities between geoscience, drilling, production, and surface facility teams to align on field development strategies.
2019 - 2020

Drilling Engineer and Drilling Fluids Specialist

Rigsis Energi, Indonesia
  • Generate the tender documents for Drilling and Workover activities.
  • Evaluate the potential hazard during drilling and workover based on the subsurface data history.
  • Generate the drilling and workover programme.
  • Assess the technical specification of each bidder for the drilling and workover activities.
2012 - 2016

Drilling Fluids Engineer / Completion Fluids Engineer / LMP Supervisor

Halliburton – Baroid
  • Worked as a drilling fluids engineer to prepare, build and maintain drilling fluids at drilling location.
  • Ensure the drilling fluids programmes are executed and delivered properly at drilling location.
  • Ensure the drilling fluids perform its function during drilling.

Qualifications

2020 - Current

Doctoral Candidate, Geothermal Reservoir Engineering

University of Auckland, New Zealand
2017 - 2018

Master of Energy

University of Auckland, New Zealand
2008 - 2012

Bachelor of Science, Petroleum Engineering

Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia

Projects

2023 - 2024

Assisting in the Preparation of the Sirius Project Acquisition

  • Working as a Reservoir Engineer and Senior Project Manager under Geoenergis to assist in the preparation of Sirius Project acquisition.
  • Assist the reservoir modelling expert in modelling the overall project area to determine the sustainability of the field, devise future development strategy, and identify future production problems.
  • Contribute to final reporting of the reservoir modelling result and its further analysis.

2023 - 2024

Geothermal Project and Technical Advisory Support for Candi Umbul Sub-Project

  • Working as a Reservoir Engineer and Technical Consultant under Geothermal Resource Group Inc. (US) and Geoenergis for SMI and World Bank for Geothermal Resource Risk Mitigation (GREM) facility technical due diligence assessment. 
  • Assist the lender (SMI) in evaluating the feasibility of exploration projects proposed by applicants regarding the exploration drilling plan.
  • Evaluate the overall aspect of the project, including geoscience, reservoir, and resource assessment result, also the development plan using an evaluation framework agreed upon by the lender.
  • Identify potential future problems in the project for consideration in loan agreement.

2023

Reservoir Modelling and Resource Assessment for Bukit Daun Field

  • Worked as a Senior Project Manager in the resource assessment of Bukit Daun geothermal field for reservoir modelling purpose under the University of Auckland and Geoenergis.
  • Prepare the proposal for the project.
  • Lead the resource assessment team to ensure great project performance, be the communication anchor between the client and the team, and ensure the deliverables are submitted on time.
  • Carry out QA/QC and review the resource assessment result before handing it out to the client.
  • Provided expertise and recommendations to enhance accuracy and reliability of reservoir models, guiding strategic decision-making for future drilling and development activities.

2023

Reservoir Modelling and Resource Assessment for Sungai Penuh Field

  • Worked as a Senior Project Manager in the resource assessment of Sungai Penuh geothermal field for reservoir modelling purpose under the University of Auckland and Geoenergis.
  • Prepare the proposal for the project.
  • Lead the resource assessment team to ensure great project performance, be the communication anchor between the client and the team, and ensure the deliverables are submitted on time.
  • Carry out QA/QC and review the resource assessment result before handing it out to the client.
  • Provided expertise and recommendations to enhance the accuracy and reliability of reservoir models, guiding strategic decision-making for future drilling and development activities.

Teaching Experience

Dec 2024

Instructor – PT PGE: Waiwera Workshop

Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Instructor of Geothermal Modelling Using Waiwera Workshop for PT PGE (Hybrid, online from Auckland, New Zealand and offline in Jakarta, Indonesia). 

May 2024

Instructor – PT PGE: Reservoir Modelling Handover Training

Geothermal Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Instructor of Sungai Penuh and Bukit Daun Reservoir Modelling Handover Training for PT PGE (Auckland, New Zealand).

Apr-Sep 2023

Instructor – PT PGE: Reservoir Modelling

Geothermal Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Instructor of 6-month Mentoring Programme of Reservoir Modelling for PT PGE (Auckland, New Zealand and Jakarta, Indonesia).

Dec 2022

Instructor – PT PGE: Reservoir Modelling Handover Training

Geothermal Institute, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Instructor of Kamojang and Lahendong Reservoir Modelling Handover Training for PT PGE (Auckland, New Zealand).

Conferences and Papers

Nov 2024

Using T2well for simulating coupled wellbore-reservoir simulations

46th New Zealand Geothermal Workshop, Auckland, New Zealand

Sep 2023

Geothermal Institute’s Modelling Framework Application for Geothermal Resource Assessment of An Exploration Field

9th Indonesia Internasional Geothermal Convention & Exhibition, Jakarta, Indonesia

Feb 2023

Drill-well-on-paper (DWOP) Practice in Geothermal Exploration Drilling Project: Have We Done it the Right Way?

48th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Stanford University, Stanford, USA

Feb 2023

Multidisciplinary collaboration to create a new numerical model of the Lahendong geothermal field

48th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Stanford University, Stanford, USA

Feb 2023

A New Modelling Study of the Kamojang Geothermal Field

48th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Stanford University, Stanford, USA

Feb 2023

Discovering the Potential of Unconventional Geothermal Systems in Indonesia

48th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Stanford University, Stanford, USA
Technical Skills and experience
Digital Twins icon
Reservoir Modelling / Digital Twins
Drilling icon
Geothermal wellbores, well test analysis and drilling
Threat Detection icon
Geothermal Resource Assessment

Recent Collaborations

Geoenergis Logo White
Pertamina Geothermal Energy White Logo
Sarulla Logo White
Sarana Multi Infrastruktur Logo

Address

L4, 70 Symonds St, Grafton, Auckland

New Zealand

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