G20 And Energy Transition

Hydropower Dam of PT. Kayan Hydro Energy is expected to support green economic growth in North Kalimantan. (Special)

It is known that the sustainable energy transition is one of the priority issues at the G20 Presidency of Indonesia in 2022, in addition to two other topics, namely the World Health System and Economic and Digital Transformation.

In this G20 forum, Indonesia has the opportunity to encourage the world's collective efforts in realizing policies to accelerate global economic recovery in an inclusive manner. Indonesia also has the opportunity to show the world its full support for the global energy transition.

The Indonesian government itself has committed to accelerating the energy transition. In addition to setting the energy mix target of New and Renewable Energy (EBT) at 23 percent by 2025, President Joko Widodo also emphasized Indonesia's commitment to fulfilling Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060 or sooner.

Supporting the direction of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and the commitment of the Indonesian government to accelerate the energy transition, Sunday (13/11) on the sidelines of the G20 event at the Intercontinental Hotel Sanur, Bali, Sumitomo Corp, and PT PLN held "The Signing Ceremony of Principles Agreement for Project Cooperation Related to Energy Transition between PLN and Sumitomo Corporation."

And, one of Sumitomo Corp's projects in Indonesia related to energy transition, green energy, and new renewable energy (EBT) is with PT Kayan Hydro Energy (KHE) working on the Kayan Cascade Hydroelectric Power Plant in Peso District, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan.

The Kayan Cascade hydropower plant with a capacity of 9000 Megawatts with a total investment value of 17.8 billion US dollars is also a tangible form of support for the commitment of the Indonesian government to the Paris Agreement and CPOP26 related to the green economy.

Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) Moeldoko who was present at The Signing Ceremony of Principles Agreement for Project Cooperation Related to Energy Transition between PLN and Sumitomo Corporation said that the Kayan Cascade hydropower project is a new era of energy production processes in Indonesia.

According to Moeldoko, the Kayan Cascade hydropower plant is proof that Indonesia is able to carry out productive activities in line with environmentally friendly principles. The former TNI Commander firmly said that the Kayan Cascade hydropower plant is history and the answer to the future.

Furthermore, Moeldoko also said that the Kayan Cascade hydropower plant is an important part of President Jokowi's government. This is because this infrastructure facility is the largest investment project in the last 10 years. And it will be a legacy of President Jokowi's government.

It seemed that what Moeldoko said was not an exaggeration. The Kayan Cascade hydropower project has been running since 2011. Construction of the first dam will begin in early 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2027.

The electricity generated by the hydropower project will supply the green industrial area developed by PT. Indonesia Strategic Industry (ISI) and electricity needs in Kalimantan in general.

With the construction of the Kayan Cascade hydropower plant, the attractiveness of this green industrial area will be even stronger for all industries concerned with reducing carbon emissions. And it is also possible, if this happens, it will make Indonesia the most prepared country in carrying out the energy transition in accordance with the Paris Agreement and fulfilling Net Zero Emissions (NZE). (*)