TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia must exert utmost efforts to carry out energy transition in order to achieve the net zero emission (NZE) target by the year 2060 or sooner, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) stated.

The NZE target is considered to be achieved when the amount of carbon emissions generated does not exceed the amount that can be absorbed by the planet.

"Energy transition is a must to fulfill the government's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and achieving the net-zero emission target by 2060 or sooner," Head of BRIN's Energy Conversion and Conservation Research Center, Cuk Supriyadi Ali Nandar, told Antara in Jakarta on Monday.

He made the statement in response to the discussion on energy transition during the vice presidential candidates' debate held on Sunday (January 21) evening.

Nandar noted that the government had formulated a road map dedicated to guiding Indonesia in its journey towards achieving the NZE target by 2060 or sooner, adding that it is crucial for the country to ensure a smooth transition to clean energy.

He then explained that the NZE road map outlines various strategies, including electrification, development of new and renewable energy, development of biofuels, and suspension of the issuance of permits for the construction of new coal-fired power plants.

The researcher also emphasized the importance of implementing the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) mechanism while boosting energy efficiency and making the most of new energy resources, such as nuclear, hydrogen, and ammonia.

Nandar further highlighted that Indonesia wields huge new and renewable energy potential, including 3,294 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy, 155 GW of wind energy, and 95 GW of hydro energy.

However, he stated that the country has, so far, only managed to utilize 314.8 megawatts (MW) of solar energy, 154.3 MW of wind energy, and 6,696 MW of hydro energy.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) organized the fourth debate of the 2024 presidential election, inviting three vice presidential candidates to introduce and elaborate on their visions and missions related to energy, natural resources, food, carbon tax, environment, agrarian affairs, and indigenous people.

ANTARA

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