Renewable Energy Causes Uncertainty Problems, Are We Really Not Ready To Leave Fossils?

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA – The energy crisis that hit Europe has emphasized that human life is quite dependent on the ability to explore natural resources. When the energy supply is reduced, it is certain that productive activities will be disrupted.

The current condition of the Blue Continent is the best example to describe the consumption appetite that is not in line with the ideals of renewable energy.

As stated by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) for the period 2016-2019 Arcandra Tahar, there are three lessons we can take from the decline in electrical energy generated by wind turbines in Europe.

“First, the volatility of the energy generated by the wind turbine is very high. As a result, consumers have to adapt to the uncertainty of energy generated by wind turbines in the future," he said via his personal social page @ @arcandra.tahar quoted on Sunday, January 9.

According to him, this has consequences when the energy generated by the wind turbine is large, the electricity costs paid by consumers can be cheaper. On the other hand, consumers will pay dearly if the energy from the wind turbine is low.

"The second lesson, with the very high volatility of wind turbines, the need for batteries as storage becomes very important," he said.

He said, when the energy generated is reduced, the battery is used to replace it. Conversely, when excess energy is generated, the battery will store the excess energy.

The third lesson is that the decrease in energy generated by wind turbines is forced to be replaced by fossil energy such as gas and coal. As a result, the target to accelerate net-zero emissions is disrupted. In addition, consumers must also be willing to pay for the expensive electricity generated by fossil energy due to the soaring price of LNG and coal in 2021.

“If we take a deeper look and reflect on what is happening in Europe with its energy crisis, is it possible that renewable energy is too advanced to take over the role of fossil energy in the transition to net-zero emissions? Of course we are aware that the use of renewable energy is not negotiable," concluded Arcandra.