In 2023, Indonesia's electricity consumption predominantly relies on fossil fuels, accounting for more than four-fifths of the total mix. Coal alone makes up almost two-thirds of the electricity, while gas adds close to a fifth, and oil represents a very small portion. Low-carbon sources contributed about a fifth of the electricity consumption, with hydropower and biofuels each composing around a third of this clean fraction. Geothermal energy provided a smaller but still notable share. The significant reliance on fossil fuels highlights an urgent need to shift toward cleaner sources to combat climate change and improve air quality.
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 on the rise. In 2023, the consumption reached 1250 kWh per person, growing by a notable amount since the previous year's record of 1199 kWh per person. While this growth is encouraging, particularly in supporting economic and developmental progress, it is somewhat concerning that the low-carbon electricity generation per person has slightly declined from the previous year's figure. This minor decrease suggests that the shift toward clean energy sources is not keeping pace with the overall growth in electricity usage. To meet the increasing demands sustainably, prioritizing an expansion of low-carbon energy sources is necessary.
Suggestions
Indonesia can learn from global leaders in clean energy to enhance its low-carbon electricity generation. Adopting robust solar power programs akin to those in California or Chile, where solar accounts for nearly a third and a quarter of electricity generation, respectively, would significantly boost clean energy. Additionally, integrating nuclear energy into the mix, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia where nuclear energy provides more than two-thirds of electricity, could offer a reliable and continuous power supply without carbon emissions. Embracing these clean energy solutions would diversify and strengthen Indonesia's energy portfolio, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to global decarbonization efforts.
History
Historically, Indonesia's low-carbon electricity generation has seen various fluctuations. In the late 20th century, hydropower experienced periods of both substantial growth and notable declines. Notably, there was a strong upward trend in 2010, which, however, faced significant setbacks in 2011. The 2010s marked a rise in geothermal contributions, while biofuels witnessed a surge since 2018, despite some variability. Although recent years have seen continued development of biofuels and hydro, the decline in 2023 highlights the ongoing challenges associated with ensuring consistent and sustainable growth in low-carbon electricity generation. This highlights the importance of harnessing diverse clean energy options to build a resilient electricity infrastructure.
