Indonesia can produce more than 60 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2050 making the country less dependent on imported fossil fuels and allowing for cheaper electricity, according to a new report authored by Greenpeace, the Engineering Center University of Indonesia and European Renewable Energy Council.
It also calls on the Indonesian government to embrace a low-carbon alternative for the development of its energy sector ahead of the United Nations Climate change conference in Bali.
The report ’Energy [R]evolution – A Sustainable Indonesia Energy Outlook´ offers a combination of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency as a clean, cost-effective pathway towards energy security that will have minimal impact on the climate system. It advocates independence from volatile market fluctuations in fossil fuels as well as the dangers of nuclear energy.
"Indonesia is already a net oil importer and natural gas production is also declining. It is therefore high time to look closely at improving the use of energy alternatives so that Indonesia can provide its people with cheap electricity from environmentally friendly sources," said Emmy Hafild, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, at a press conference onboard Greenpeace flagship the Rainbow Warrior.
"The Indonesian scenario analyzed in the Energy [R]evolution report not only complies with global CO2 reduction targets but also helps to relieve the economic pressure on society. Increasing energy efficiency
and shifting energy supply to renewable energy resources will reduce the long term costs for electricity by as much as 30%," said Sven Teske, Renewable Energy expert from Greenpeace International and co-author of
the study.
To reduce Indonesia´s dependence on oil for generating electricity while simultaneously raising the household electrification level, the development of renewable energy resources is becoming increasingly important, the report argues. Within that context, the use of geothermal energy for generating electricity is receiving special attention. The promotion of renewable energy sources via the legal framework falls primarily within the sphere of responsibility of Indonesia´s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
"It is imperative that the Indonesian government urgently creates a clear policy on investment and funding schemes in order to kick start a renewable energy industry. Reforming the regulatory framework will
naturally boost the utilization of renewable energy in households, industry and electricity generation. Human resources development through education and training and knowledge and technology transfer are a must
while increasing infrastructure and supporting industries related to the development of the renewable energy sector," said Bayu Indrawan of Engineering Center of University of Indonesia.
Indonesia will host the UN Conference on Climate Change on Dec. 3-16 where world governments will agree on measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions to stop the dire impacts predicted to result from climate
change. Greenpeace flagship, the Rainbow Warrior, is in Indonesia to bring the message of urgency for climate action starting with a global energy revolution.
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that acts to change attitudes and behavior, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.
