In Indonesia, the majority of electricity in 2023 is derived from fossil fuels. Coal represents about 62% of the total electricity generation, contributing significantly to this figure. In addition, gas-powered electricity makes up approximately 17%, while oil accounts for almost 2%. Together, these sources produce over 80% of Indonesia's electricity, revealing a heavy reliance on fossil energy. Conversely, low-carbon energy contributes to roughly 19% of the total electricity generation. Hydropower accounts for 7%, biofuels for around 6%, and geothermal for approximately 5%. These clean energy sources form a pivotal part of Indonesia's energy mix, albeit still a significantly smaller portion compared to fossil fuels.
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 experiencing a positive growth trend. In 2023, electricity usage reached 1250 kWh per person, a rise of 51 kWh per person from the previous year, 2022, when it was at 1199 kWh per person. This marks a steady increase in overall consumption, signaling advancement in the country's energy sector. However, the same cannot be said for low-carbon electricity. The latest figures indicate a slight decrease, with the per-person production standing at 232 kWh in 2023 compared to 235 kWh in 2022, showcasing a small decline of 3 kWh per person. This stagnation in low-carbon electricity generation is a concern and demonstrates the need for expansion in sustainable energy infrastructure.
Suggestions
Indonesia can significantly boost its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from successful regions around the globe. Countries such as France and Slovakia exemplify the potential of nuclear energy, generating about two-thirds of their electricity this way. Indonesia might consider investing in nuclear power plants to provide a stable, clean, and scalable power source. Additionally, drawing inspiration from Lebanon, where 31% of electricity is solar-generated, and Chile, at 24%, deploying solar energy systems, including solar farms and rooftop panels, can harness Indonesia's abundant sunlight, alleviating the fossil fuel burden. This dual focus on nuclear and solar energy can help Indonesia increase its low-carbon energy share, making substantial progress toward a more sustainable energy future.
History
Looking back at the historical development of low-carbon electricity in Indonesia, there has been a dynamic landscape of growth and challenges. In the 1980s, hydropower experienced slight increases, with 2 TWh in 1986 and 2.2 TWh in 1992. Entering the late 1990s, the country faced ups and downs with hydroelectric power, recording a decline of 3.1 TWh in 1997, which was shortly tempered by a significant increase of 4.6 TWh in 1998. The early 2000s saw geothermal making its entry with a contribution of 2.1 TWh in 2000. Thereafter, hydropower again exhibited fluctuations with noteworthy gains in 2010 of 6.1 TWh, but a setback in 2011 with a dip of 5 TWh. The recent decade saw biofuels being introduced as a low-carbon source in 2018 with a jump of 12.7 TWh, which faced a reduction by 2.2 TWh in 2019 but resumed growth subsequently. Lastly, while hydropower and biofuels have shown considerable shifts, geothermal demonstrated potential with consistent gains, such as in 2017 and 2020. Ensuring steady growth in low-carbon generation remains pivotal for Indonesia as it continues to develop its energy infrastructure.
