Optimize NRE potential to expedite energy transition: Indonesian VP

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin has called for optimizing the abundant new and renewable energy (NRE) potential in Indonesia in efforts to accelerate the energy transition.

He delivered the remarks at the 9th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition (IIGCE) 2023 at the Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta on Wednesday.

“The abundant potential of our NRE must be optimized to accelerate the energy transition in the country,” he emphasized.

He said he hopes that the capacity of NRE power plants using various sources, such as solar, hydro, wind, bioenergy, ocean currents, and geothermal, would reach around 700 gigawatts (GW) by 2060.

To mitigate the impact of climate change, Indonesia and other countries have agreed to slash global greenhouse gas emissions through the energy transition, which would involve increasing the use of low-emission energy and the use of NRE, he noted.

According to the Vice President, these efforts will need to be balanced with measures to maintain energy security.

“Therefore, the energy transition is truly needed as a direction for national energy policy towards cleaner and environmentally friendly energy,” he said.

He further said that Indonesia should be grateful for its abundant NRE potential. In the last five years, NRE development in the country has continued to increase.

“Specifically related to geothermal, the government is committed to encouraging geothermal development through various promising business schemes and the development of affordable technological innovations,” he added.

With support from the government, it is hoped that by 2060, geothermal generating capacity in Indonesia will reach 22 GW, he said.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of the 9th IIGCE 2023, Dion Murdiono, said that his party chose the theme ‘A Call for Geothermal Resources Optimization’ for this year and is aiming to gather stakeholders to discuss the latest developments, trends, and challenges related to geothermal energy.