As of 2023, Indonesia's electricity consumption predominantly relies on fossil fuels, with more than 80% of its electricity coming from such sources. Coal is the most significant contributor, accounting for approximately 62% of the total electricity, while gas and oil together provide nearly 20%. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources like hydropower, biofuels, and geothermal contribute about 19% to Indonesia's electricity mix. Among these, hydropower is the largest at 7%, followed by biofuels and geothermal at 6.4% and 4.8% respectively. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels poses significant environmental challenges, contributing to air pollution and climate change, thereby emphasizing the need for a shift towards cleaner forms of electricity generation.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Indonesia?
Indonesia's electricity consumption is on an upward trend. In 2023, the per capita consumption has reached 1,250 kWh, marking an increase from 2022's 1,199 kWh per person. This rise indicates a growing demand for electricity among the population. However, the low-carbon electricity generation per capita has slightly decreased, dropping from 235 kWh to 232 kWh. While the overall electricity use is rising, the stagnation in clean electricity generation highlights a concerning trend, as increasing reliance on sustainable energy is crucial for a greener future.
Suggestions
To advance low-carbon electricity generation, Indonesia can model its strategies after successful regions with significant achievements in clean energy. Countries like France and Ukraine have achieved over half of their electricity generation from nuclear energy, providing a blueprint for Indonesia to potentially establish or expand its nuclear infrastructure. On the solar front, states such as Nevada and Lebanon have demonstrated that a substantial portion of electricity can come from solar power. By focusing on both solar and nuclear energy, Indonesia could significantly enhance its low-carbon electricity output, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development.
History
Looking back, Indonesia's journey in low-carbon electricity has seen various shifts. In the late 20th century, hydropower saw gains and setbacks, with notable changes like a 4.6 TWh increase in 1998. The new millennium brought geothermal growth in 2000 and a significant hydro increase in 2010, followed by fluctuations. The 2010s witnessed a rise in biofuels, especially in 2018, though not without declines. Interestingly, hydropower also experienced ups and downs, including a recent decrease in 2023. This historical backdrop underscores the potential to strengthen and stabilize low-carbon electricity sectors, leveraging proven technologies like geothermal and biofuels while exploring new opportunities in nuclear and solar energy to achieve a more stable and sustainable electricity landscape.
