Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government will stop the operation of coal-fired power plants (PLTUs) in 2058, or two years before Indonesia targets to achieve zero carbon emissions, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif stated.
"After 2030, PLTUs will no longer be developed. Additional power plants after 2030 will be sourced from new and renewable energy (EBT). The operation of PLTUs will completely stop in 2058," he remarked at the 2023 Indonesia Energy Transition Dialogue on Monday.
In order to meet the electricity needs, which are estimated to reach 1,942 terawatts per hour (TWh) in 2060, the minister noted that Indonesia will build a power plant sourced from EBT, with a capacity of 700 gigawatts (GW).
Tasrif stated that in 2030, solar energy utilization will be increased on a massive scale, geothermal energy utilization will also be maximized to 22 GW, and in 2039, nuclear power will be commercialized as an energy source, with capacity increasing to reach over 30 GW in 2060.
"Meanwhile, hydroelectric power plant (PLTA) pump storage will be developed in 2025, while the battery energy storage system will be built on a large scale in 2034," he remarked.
The minister highlighted that the government is also preparing funds to reduce the high risk of developing geothermal energy electricity sources in 20 working areas, with the potential to produce 6,783 megawatts of electricity.
According to Tasrif, electricity from more environmentally friendly sources will meet public demand from the government's electrification program, such as the use of electric vehicles and electric stoves equipped with the construction of charging stations.
He noted that these programs are expected to reduce people's dependence on fossil fuels that are not environmentally friendly.
However, in conducting energy transition, he stated that Indonesia still faces several challenges, including the availability of technology, the need to improve technological practices, the availability of supporting infrastructure, and limited funding.
The minister remarked that Indonesia is currently working with the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) to accelerate a just energy transition, especially in the power plant sector.
"We still have a lot of work to do, and we hope to continue to collaborate with other countries," he stated.
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