In 2023, Indonesia's electricity consumption is overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, which account for more than 80% of the total electricity generated. Coal is the dominant source, making up almost two-thirds of the consumption. Gas and oil contribute less significantly to the fossil fuel mix. On the low-carbon side, clean energy sources, including hydropower, biofuels, and geothermal, collectively make up around 19%. Hydropower contributes about 7% and biofuels around 6%, while geothermal adds nearly 5% to the total electricity mix. This demonstrates a significant reliance on fossil fuels and a pressing need for a shift towards more sustainable energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Indonesia?
Electricity consumption in Indonesia is indeed growing, as evidenced by the increase in per capita consumption. In 2023, the figure reached 1,250 kWh per person, up from a previous recorded figure of 1,199 kWh in 2022. This represents an increase of 51 kWh per person, highlighting a positive trend for overall electricity consumption. However, low-carbon electricity generation has seen a slight decline, dropping to 232 kWh per person in 2023 from 235 kWh in 2022. This minor decrease of 3 kWh per person is concerning, as it indicates stagnation in the growth of clean energy sources, despite overall increases in electricity usage.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Indonesia could benefit from adopting strategies seen in other successful regions. For instance, countries like France and Slovakia demonstrate remarkable utilization of nuclear energy, generating about two-thirds of their electricity from this source, showing its feasibility as a substantial low-carbon option. Similarly, Denmark and Iowa highlight the successful harnessing of wind energy, accounting for more than half of their electricity generation. Indonesia should focus on expanding its nuclear capabilities, which have significant potential, alongside exploring the possibilities of solar energy, as demonstrated by countries like North Macedonia and Nevada, which generate substantial portions of electricity from solar. Embracing these clean energy sources can reduce Indonesia's dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change impacts, and ensure a sustainable energy future.
History
Tracing back the history of low-carbon electricity in Indonesia, there have been diverse developments across decades. In the late 1980s, minimal growth was seen, with hydropower adding a modest amount, notably around 2 TWh in 1986. A challenging period in the 1990s saw fluctuating hydropower output, with growth in the early years followed by declines, such as the notable reductions in 1994 and 1997. Significant growth in geothermal occurred in 2000, adding over 2 TWh. The 2010s witnessed a resurgence in hydropower and geothermal, with notable increases in 2010, 2013, and 2016. In recent years, biofuels have experienced fluctuations but added substantially in 2018 and 2022, a trend that continued moderately into 2023. Despite recent setbacks in hydropower, the overall low-carbon efforts reveal a dynamic past, offering a foundation for future development toward a cleaner energy portfolio.
