Shell Indonesia, in collaboration with Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), hosted the Shell LiveWIRE Energy Solutions Roadshow on Wednesday, Apr. 23, 2025, at the UGM Faculty of Engineering (FT UGM).
The talk show, Technological Innovation for Renewable Energy, featured industrial engineering experts and entrepreneurs in the energy transition sector. The event aimed to strengthen university-industry collaboration in supporting the shift toward Net Zero Emissions.
UGM Director of Partnerships and Global Relations, Professor Puji Astuti, welcomed the Shell LiveWIRE program and ITB’s involvement. She highlighted that although Indonesia has abundant renewable energy potential recognized globally, it remains significantly underutilized.
“The energy transition not only opens up business opportunities but also ensures long-term sustainability,” said Professor Astuti.
Indonesia is targeting Net Zero Emissions by 2050–2060, a goal that necessitates phasing out coal as an energy source. UGM Industrial Engineering Professor Alva Edy Tontowi explained that the cost of this transition would be twice the current budget of the national health sector.
“In reality, we need this transition. By 2040, 118 coal-fired power plants are expected to shut down, while energy demand will continue to rise,” said Professor Tontowi.
He emphasized that innovation is vital in every era. However, not all innovations succeed in becoming viable products. To create successful innovations, attention must be given to product quality, societal needs, and optimal specifications.
“Energy will always be essential. With a growing population and the shift into Society 5.0, our needs are rapidly evolving,” he added.
Professor Tontowi identified hydroelectric, geothermal, and solar energy as Indonesia’s primary renewable energy sources. However, solar energy, in particular, still faces challenges due to high production costs, which hinder the nation’s efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
“The energy transition must also ensure stability and accessibility. Renewable energy should be able to meet societal needs and be accessible in terms of infrastructure and affordability,” the professor explained.
Farishadi Rukandi, General Manager of B2B Lubricants at Shell Indonesia, emphasized that the energy transition is inevitable due to global and societal shifts. With the world’s population expected to grow from 9 to 11 billion, energy demand will continue to increase.
He encouraged the younger generation to take the lead in energy innovation and become pioneers of the future.
“Asia is a massive market. Research plays a key role in driving innovation,” said Rukandi.
He noted that turning innovation into market-ready products is not easy. Success requires attention to the product itself, as well as to market schemes and strategic partnerships.
“Trial and error is part of the process before a product can reach the market. Strong cross-sector collaboration is crucial for developing adaptive and sustainable innovations,” he concluded.
Author: Tasya
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Illustration: Freepik