ESDM Ministry to Prioritize Solar Energy, Increase Power Plant Capacity

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has started to execute the plan to increase the capacity of new and renewable energy plants or clean energy. The additional capacity would reach 38 Gigawatts (GW) until 2035.

“By prioritizing the development of solar energy,” said ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif at the event held by Tempo Media Group on Thursday, October 21.

Solar energy was set in the plan because of its relatively lower investment costs yet shorter implementation time. “[It also] opens up opportunities for EBT electricity through the ASEAN Power Grid,” he added.

ASEAN Power Grid is an interconnection of electricity cooperation to increase the supply in the ASEAN regions. This cooperation will enable cross-regional electricity trade in the future.

As quoted from the official website setnas-asean.id, one of the collaborations that has been achieved was the construction of the Sarawak, Malaysia-West Kalimantan interconnection network since 2016.

The clean energy power plant plan is part of Indonesia's commitment to implement the Paris Agreement. It also includes Indonesia’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 29-41 percent by 2030.

The energy sector was expected to reduce 314 to 398 million tons of CO2 emissions. The government had designed the net zero emission roadmap for 2021-2060. The main strategy is that the clean energy mix in 2060 could be achieved at 100 percent.

Arifin went on to say that the government is also regulating the economic value of carbon and preparing the New Renewable Energy Law. “To accelerate the development of EBT,” he said.

Read: ESDM Ministry Highlights Importance od Natural Gas as Transition Energy

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