Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, Indonesia aims to slash carbon emissions by 41% by 2023. Consequently, the quest for alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels remains paramount.
The UGM Center for Energy Studies, in collaboration with the UGM Student Energy Council, recently hosted the Youth Energy Congress–National Energy Festival under the theme “Balancing The Equation: Nuclear Energy’s Role in a Sustainable Future” on Saturday (Mar. 2).
“The National Energy Festival (NEF) is now in its third year, organized by the Student Energy Council (DEM),” expressed Muhammad Rizki Ramadan, Chair of the UGM Student Energy Council.
“We aspire for this event to be a platform where young individuals like us, as students, can deepen our understanding of equitable energy in Indonesia. Moreover, I hope it sparks new perspectives and experiences concerning renewable energy development.”
The congress drew participation from student energy organizations across various regions, including North Sumatra and North Sulawesi.
According to a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources report, electricity consumption per capita surged by 4% between 2021 and 2022, reaching 1,336 kWh/capita by the end of 2023. This figure underscores our society’s heavy reliance on electrical energy.
Regrettably, our current electricity sources predominantly rely on depleting fossil fuels. Hence, it is imperative to develop alternative energy sources to ensure sustainable energy access.
“In Europe, we observe an ongoing energy crisis due to the conflict with Russia. Their overreliance on a single external energy source has resulted in soaring electricity prices as supply dwindles,” said Professor Sarjiya, Head of the UGM Center for Energy Studies.
“This demonstrates a nation’s dependence on a singular energy type, where other nations can leverage geopolitical factors to control energy sources, with dire consequences.”
Unlike Indonesia, Europe, being a four-season continent, faces heightened energy urgency intertwined with national defense and security concerns.
As highlighted by Dr. Musa Partahi Marbun, a representative from the state electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia grapples with three interconnected core issues. The country must ensure electricity availability and accessibility, maintain affordable prices, and curb carbon emissions.
These aspects pose a formidable challenge since existing energy sources usually meet only one or two criteria. For instance, coal-fired power plants (PLTU) offer reliable and controlled primary energy but fail to meet emission standards. Conversely, solar energy boasts affordability and low emissions but lacks guaranteed supply.
Nuclear Power Plants (PLTN) exhibit promising potential with minimal emissions, around 3 tons of CO2 per GWh. However, nuclear energy development is intricate and time-consuming.
“Establishing a nuclear power plant isn’t straightforward. It entails stringent rules and standards. Unlike other energy sources, societal acceptance is crucial. How do we alter public perceptions of nuclear energy? Safety is the main aspect,” Dr. Marbun elaborated.
Tackling carbon emissions, a major driver of climate change demands concerted efforts. Transforming societal energy dependence while ensuring accessibility poses a monumental global challenge.
Therefore, UGM remains committed to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to promote low-emission and green energy innovations, aligning with SDGs 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Author: Tasya