Jakarta – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR) Arifin Tasrif has reaffirmed the role of hydropower as the backbone of the national strategy for building a low-carbon economy. He made this statement when launching the Bali Statement at COP 28 in Dubai.
“Hydropower plays an important role in energy systems around the world. In line with the Paris Agreement commitment, the IEA in COP27 stated that hydropower also prevents the emission of about 3 gigatons (GT) of CO2 per year, representing about 9% of global annual CO2 emissions,” he said in an official statement.
In Indonesia, hydropower has significantly contributed to providing access to affordable electricity while strengthening water management and preserving water catchments in Indonesia’s energy system over the past century.
“Indonesia has more than 95 gigawatts (GW) of hydropower potential, although utilisation has only reached 7 GW. In line with the Bali Statement, Indonesia hopes to strengthen collaboration and cooperation to utilise this huge potential. Not only limited to hydropower sources but also the untapped potential of the dam surface area that can be utilised for Floating Solar Power,” Tasrif said, adding that Indonesia recently inaugurated the largest floating solar power plant in Southeast Asia.
The Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant has a capacity of 192 MWp, built on a 200-hectare dam with a hydropower capacity of 1 GW.
Indonesia is also developing pumped storage facilities with a total capacity of 4x260MW at Upper Cisokan Hydropower Plant, West Java.
Hydropower development is expected to generate environmentally friendly electricity, improve grid stability, and shape a sustainable energy future for future generations. To achieve this, inclusive collaboration in hydropower development is required.
“Allow me to call on global actors to foster inclusive collaboration in hydropower development. In this way, we can ensure that we have the energy to drive sustainable growth,” Tasrif said. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Arifin Tasrif launching the Bali Statement at COP 28 in Dubai on Sunday, December 3, 2023. (Source: Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources)
