Indonesia possesses abundant potential renewable energy resources. However, the potential that has been harnessed remains minimal.
This was revealed by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in its report, *Indonesia Energy Transition Outlook*, released in October 2022.
IRENA estimates Indonesia's total renewable energy potential to reach 3,692 gigawatts (GW). However, as of 2021, the installed capacity was only 10.5 GW, or approximately 0.3% of the total potential.
The following details the potential and installed capacity of Indonesia's renewable energy in 2021, according to IRENA:
* Solar Energy: potential 2,898 GW, installed 0.2 GW
* Offshore Wind Energy: potential 589 GW, installed 0 GW
* Hydropower: potential 94.6 GW, installed 6.1 GW
* Biomass Energy: potential 43.3 GW, installed 1.9 GW
* Geothermal Energy: potential 29.5 GW, installed 2.1 GW
* Onshore Wind Energy: potential 19.6 GW, installed 0.2 GW
* Ocean Current/Thermal Energy: potential 17.9 GW, installed 0 GW
IRENA encourages Indonesia to develop the utilization of renewable energy to support the goals of the Paris Agreement, one of which is to keep the increase in global temperature from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius.
However, to achieve this target, Indonesia requires strong energy transition planning and regulations, improved infrastructure and technological capabilities, and substantial investment.
"To realize the 1.5-degree Celsius scenario, Indonesia needs a total investment of up to US$2.4 trillion by 2050," wrote IRENA in its report.
According to IRENA, the majority of this investment is needed for the transformation of the electricity sector, ranging from increasing the installed capacity of renewable energy, building transmission and energy storage networks, and other supporting infrastructure.
"A significant obstacle in driving Indonesia's energy transition is funding and investment. Funding sources need to be expanded, and local financing capacity needs to be improved," concluded IRENA.