Bappenas: Low Carbon Electricity Supply Can Be A Regional Development Solution

Deputy for Facilities and Infrastructure of the Ministry of National Development Planning/National Development Planning Agency (PPN/Bappenas) Ervan Maksum said the provision of low-carbon electricity could be a solution for regional development.

"Low-carbon electricity supply can be a solution for regional development by building a reliable energy transmission system, namely a system that is able to receive more renewable electricity while connecting growth centers with renewable energy resources," he said at The 3rd Indonesia Sustainable Energy Week (ISEW) event in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Tuesday, September 10.

According to him, a fair energy transition in electricity supply is a complex challenge. Although the national electrification ratio reaches 99.83 percent, the system still relies on fossil fuels and high carbon emissions considering the renewable energy mix is only 13.09 percent, far behind Vietnam.

To overcome dependence on fossil energy, reducing high-emission power plants and developing super grids is urgently needed.

In addition, it is necessary to ensure access to quality, affordable, and sustainable energy, as well as to encourage efficiency in terms of supply and utilization.

Strengthening connectivity and the electric energy transition is said to be the focus of future development. Although in implementation it is not easy, a comprehensive and integrated strategy must be implemented.

"ISEW will also support the commitment of local governments, associations, and business actors in decarbonization efforts with the support of the central government. Solutions related to funding and regulations that support the energy transition also need to be formulated, including efforts to increase financing for sustainable electricity investment to fulfill basic infrastructure, and at the same time accelerate energy transition efforts," said Ervan.

He hopes that the 2024 ISEW forum can explore ideas or concepts to accelerate the achievement of targets and energy transition efforts through cross-ministerial/institutional collaboration, between regions, global partnerships, and public participation in national development planning, especially in the field of electrical energy.

"The 2024 ISEW is expected to be a forum for bridging the direction of development planning. The recommendations produced in the discussion of the 2024 ISEW will be input for the preparation of more holistic and integrated plans, especially to realize a sustainable electrical energy system by considering the potential of regional resources that are in line with regional development and national development," he said.