Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arcandra Tahar recommends that Indonesia prioritize gas as a source of energy in the transition to zero emission target (net zero emission/NZE).
Arcandra explained that the government must think of the right strategy in carrying out the transition period towards the zero emission target. This is done so that Indonesia does not experience an energy crisis like what is happening in Europe today.
According to Arcandra, Indonesia cannot immediately escape from fossil fuel energy to reach the zero emission target.
“We all must not be careless, we must be careful, consider many things to get to clean energy. Use fossil energy but the impact on the environment is not that big. Still clean energy, what is it? Use gas that comes first, not oil,” said Arcandra. Arcandra Tahar online, Friday (15/10).
According to him, gas is a fossil energy, but it is still cleaner than oil and coal. Thus, the government can reduce the use of coal and oil in the transition period.
He explained that gas production in Indonesia is around 6,000-7,000 standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD). Of this total, 70 percent is used for domestic needs and 30 percent for exports.
Although there is still a surplus, Arcandra reminded that oil and gas companies still have to carry out exploration. This is so that Indonesia does not run out of gas when it enters the transition period.
“Before EBT, was there any prediction that Indonesia would have a gas shortage? Maybe if it didn’t do exploration, it would have to be explored because Indonesia needs a portion of gas in the context of the transition period,” explained Arcandra.
Meanwhile, he said that it does not mean that Indonesia does not need coal in the future. According to him, it doesn’t matter if there are still companies investing in the coal sector.
It is like in China. The Bamboo Curtain country has committed to clean energy, but is still investing in the coal sector. “The reality is that in China it’s still in coal,” added Arcandra.
It is known, the energy crisis is hitting Europe, China, and India. The crisis that occurred in Europe occurred because the price of natural gas had soared since September 2021. The wholesale price of natural gas touched the most expensive figures in the UK, France, Spain, Germany, and Italy.
This makes the electricity bills of households and businesses in Europe soar. Expensive electricity tariffs are projected to last during the winter.
Meanwhile, the electricity crisis in China has actually occurred since June 2021. The government has ordered coal producers to increase production to overcome the crisis.
The crisis also hit India. India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA) said 63 out of 135 coal-fired power plants had only two days of coal supply.
Coal accounts for nearly 70 percent of India’s government-owned electricity generation. The local government said the situation would not be comfortable for the next six months.
(aud / bir)
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