Jakarta – Despite the abundant potential, until now utilisation of solar energy is less than one percent, according to observers. Policy Researcher at the Paramadina Public Policy Institute, Rosyid Jazuli in the Solar Energy Talk: Technology, Policy and Solar Energy Challenges in Supporting JETP and NZE, early March said the large potential of solar energy does not necessarily make it all applicable.
He said, “it takes time and seriousness from policy makers to make it happen,” adding that to be utilised the large potential of solar energy still has to pay attention to how it is processed and conditions on the ground. The development of increasingly sophisticated technology does not make the use of solar energy faster.
Even though there is a downward trend in the cost of lithium batteries as a component of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS), the cost of building the required infrastructure is still much more expensive. The abundance of coal as a cheap energy source is also one of the things that needs attention in the energy transition process. He assessed that it still takes time and adjustments in the maximum application of solar energy.
“Actually, sun exposure in Indonesia is still inconsistent. Even though we are an equatorial country, we don’t have sunshine every day, so the need for batteries will still be high,” Jazuli said. He said that awareness and the role of the community in understanding the importance of energy transition in protecting the climate. (Hartatik)
