Source: Experts from UGM support IKN as a Smart City and Green City
Indonesia has set a new commitment to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2035, advancing the timeline by five years from the previously established target of 2040.
The Indonesian government is currently in the process of building a new capital city in East Kalimantan called Nusantara or Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). IKN is targeted to become a Smart City and Green City. The government aims to reach zero carbon emissions by implementing renewable energy. Experts from UGM have supported this idea and highlighted key challenges that must be overcome.
Ideally, in order to achieve zero carbon emissions, the National Electric Company (PLN) should develop 100% renewable energy power plants from 50-megawatt solar power plants and hydropower plants. The use of electric vehicles should replace fossil-fuel vehicles, supported by a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem across the entire IKN area. Furthermore, industrial zones should be avoided to prevent environmental pollution from factory emissions.
International-scale renewable energy program
UGM’s public pledge toward 100% renewable energy also includes establishing an international consortium, the Centre for Development of Sustainable Region (CDSR), in collaboration with the University of Colorado Boulder, Penn State, Virginia Tech, the Makassar City Government, and the Bandung Institute of Technology. The consortium carries out renewable energy utilization programs in Makassar City, South Sulawesi, aimed at improving community welfare and reducing carbon emissions. CDSR has conducted surveys and development analyses of the Green Alley program initiated by the Makassar City Government, as well as planned and implemented renewable energy technologies for various community-based activities.
National-scale renewable energy program
We have also partnered with PT Paiton Energy, one of the largest electricity companies in Indonesia, to support energy security and energy transition in Indonesia. PT Paiton Energy consulted UGM experts on new opportunities to enhance the operational efficiency of power plants and the use of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). The company is also in the process of developing hydrogen technology as a clean energy source for the future.
Our researchers and experts from the Center for Energy Studies are also studying clean hydrogen development in Indonesia together with GIZ Indonesia and the Ministry of National Development Planning. The results of this research have been disseminated the Ministry of National Development Planning, the Directorate of Various New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (Aneka EBTKE), the National Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN), several state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and other relevant stakeholders. The results of the study revealed potential utilization of green hydrogen, the green hydrogen development value chain, priority sectors for green hydrogen development, and regulatory requirements for the Indonesian green hydrogen industry
References: