In the last decade, the global world has been facing climate change. Various policies and initiatives have been developed to address this challenge. However, more effort is still needed to ensure a rapid green transition and a cleaner global environment. One of the efforts to accelerate the energy transition is to encourage the growth of pioneering companies or start-ups in the new and renewable energy (EBT) sector.
This was conveyed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Arifin Tasrif when opening via video conference the APEC Workshop on Clean Energy Start-Ups Forum “Advancing Market Reach and Business Growth” which was held in Nusa Dua, Bali.
“In recent years, the concept of ‘green growth’ has become a topic of discussion for APEC economic members as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economic development path. The APEC Energy Working Group also promotes the advancement of clean and low-carbon energy as part of its key objectives of the APEC Energy Working Group. Group Strategic Plan 2019-2023,” said Arifin.
Arifin said that start-ups could become pioneers for the younger generation to show real contributions to the clean energy sector. Clean energy start-ups come with various breakthroughs. Several companies build solar and wind technologies and finance these projects. While other start-ups offer efficient and environmentally friendly batteries or explore the potential of microgrids to take advantage of the local climate of the area.
“There are thousands of renewable energy start-ups. These start-ups need to focus on technology because technology is a game changer in creating a sustainable energy system. Technology is the key to the energy transition, and ultimately to achieving the Net Zero Emission (NZE) target. So from that, we need to improve technology as widely as possible,” said Arifin.
Apart from that, Arifin also said that innovation must always be encouraged and disseminated. Access to the use and use of technology must be made more inclusive. Furthermore, access to affordable technology and financing must also be explored on a massive scale.
In addition, there are several technologies that will play a major role in the energy transition in Indonesia to achieve Net Zero Emissions in 2060 or faster, such as solar technology, including system integration; smart-grid; energy storage; hydrogen; and electric vehicles.
“Indonesia will build 700 Giga Watt (GW) EBT generators, originating from solar, wind, water, bioenergy, ocean currents, geothermal and nuclear. We will also develop mineral processing and refining units to increase the added value of minerals, such as nickel. and cobalt which will be used to produce batteries for vehicles and storage,” said Arifin.
Arifin also said that clean energy start-ups and emerging businesses are seen as key instruments, which are expected to have an important role in accelerating the development of EBT.
“I hope this forum can become a hub in revising our energy system and strengthen collaboration and cooperation in achieving a sustainable clean energy start-up business. I also hope that stakeholders in this forum can formulate policy recommendations to accelerate the growth of clean energy start-ups. in APEC economies. Activating and supporting start-up growth will advance the energy sector in Asia Pacific to achieve the target by 2030,” Arifin concluded.
The first day of the workshop presented speakers from the Indonesian Renewable Energy Society (METI) Tjut Devi, Comestoarra Bentarra Noesantarra Arief Noerhidayat, Environmental Fund Management Agency (BPDLH) Budi Martokeosoemo, Indonesian Foundation Cerah Adhityani Putri, and Indonesian Solar Energy Association (AESI) I Made Aditya Suryawidya.
For information, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Workshop on Clean Energy Start-Ups Forum “Advancing Market Reach and Business Growth” was held in Bali, on 13-15 December 2022. This workshop aims to provide a platform for clean energy start-ups, the government, and other stakeholders to share ideas and knowledge to increase the capacity of energy start-ups and will produce policy recommendations so that they can collaboratively accelerate the growth of clean energy start-ups throughout Indonesia.
