In 2023, Indonesia's electricity consumption remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, making up over 80% of the country's electricity generation. Coal dominates this category, providing about 62% of the electricity, followed by gas which contributes roughly 17%. Low-carbon energy sources, meanwhile, contribute close to 19% of the country's electricity. Hydropower accounts for around 7% of electricity generation, biofuels provide about 6.4%, and geothermal energy contributes nearly 5%. Oil, as a fossil fuel, makes up a small portion at approximately 2%. This heavy reliance on fossil energy has implications for climate change and air quality, prompting a need for a shift towards cleaner energy options.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Indonesia?
Indonesia has experienced a moderate growth in electricity consumption, with the per capita figure rising to 1,250 kWh in 2023 from 1,199 kWh in 2022. This increase of 51 kWh per person is a positive sign of growth and increasing access to electricity. However, the amount of low-carbon electricity has slightly decreased, moving from a high of 235 kWh per person in 2022 to 232 kWh in 2023. This small decline, although not drastic, is troubling as it signals a need for more vigorous efforts to expand clean energy sources to counterbalance Indonesia's dependency on fossil fuels and to address environmental concerns.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Indonesia can take cues from regions that have successfully tapped into solar, wind, and nuclear power. Countries like France and Slovakia almost entirely rely on nuclear energy, contributing to more than half of their electricity supply. Similarly, Denmark and the US state of Iowa illustrate how wind energy can power about 60% and 58% of their electricity needs, respectively. Given Indonesia’s geographical position and natural resources, bolstering solar and wind energy, along with evaluating the potential for nuclear energy, could significantly diversify and clean their electricity supply. The experience of regions like Nevada and California, which effectively incorporate solar power into their energy mix, can guide Indonesia’s strategy to ensure a cleaner electricity future.
History
Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Indonesia, it becomes clear that hydropower has been a fluctuating but significant part of the energy landscape since the late 1980s. Increases were noted in 1986, 1992, and more substantially in 2010 and 2016. The growth of geothermal energy in 2000 and 2017 also highlights shifting trends, while biofuels saw a major progression in 2018 followed by smaller adjustments thereafter. The 1980s through early 2000s were marked by sporadic gains in hydropower, while the 2010s saw more consistent growth in cleaner energy forms. Yet, the recent setback in hydropower generation in 2023 emphasizes the need for a resilient and diverse approach to achieving a sustainable energy portfolio in Indonesia. By prioritizing stable sources like solar and nuclear, Indonesia can ensure a continuous and clean energy supply.
