Indonesia Pledges Rigorous Efforts for Energy Transition Towards Net-Zero Emissions by 2060

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: In a determined commitment to address climate change, Indonesia is set to intensify efforts towards energy transition, aiming to achieve the ambitious net-zero emission (NZE) target by 2060 or even earlier, as announced by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

Head of BRIN’s Energy Conversion and Conservation Research Center, Cuk Supriyadi Ali Nandar, emphasized the imperative need for energy transition to fulfill the government’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The NZE target is met when the generated carbon emissions do not surpass the planet’s capacity for absorption.

Nandar revealed that the government has devised a comprehensive roadmap to guide Indonesia’s journey towards NZE by 2060. Essential to this roadmap is a seamless transition to clean energy, encompassing strategies such as electrification, the advancement of new and renewable energy sources, promotion of biofuels, and a halt on permits for new coal-fired power plant constructions.

Underlining the significance of adopting the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) mechanism, Nandar emphasized the need for energy efficiency and leveraging emerging resources like nuclear, hydrogen, and ammonia.

Indonesia, endowed with vast potential for new and renewable energy, including 3,294 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, 155 GW of wind energy, and 95 GW of hydro energy, has taken strides toward this goal. However, current utilization stands at 314.8 MW of solar energy, 154.3 MW of wind energy, and 6,696 MW of hydro energy, underscoring the untapped potential.

The fourth debate of the 2024 presidential election, organized by the General Elections Commission (KPU), provided a platform for three vice presidential candidates to present their visions and missions related to crucial aspects such as energy, natural resources, food, carbon tax, environment, agrarian affairs, and indigenous people. The commitment to NZE and energy transition stands as a pivotal focus in Indonesia’s broader sustainability agenda.