GLASGOW (November 2, 2021)—Today, World Resources Institute (WRI) and Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia’s national utility, have renewed a memorandum of understanding for vital work on accelerating Indonesia’s energy transition. As the world’s eighth largest greenhouse gas emitter and second-fastest growing economy, Indonesia has a historic opportunity to transition its energy economy and deliver improved air quality, access new technologies and deliver on sustainable development and climate goals.

Following is a statement from Jennifer Layke, Global Director, Energy, World Resources Institute:

“The economy of Indonesia today is dominated by fossil fuel energy. Currently, only 11% of Indonesia’s energy mix comes from renewable sources, and the country will need concerted efforts to achieve its target of 23% renewable energy by 2025. And as the country looks toward recovery from devastating COVID impacts, there is an opportunity to advance sustainable development goals and achieve a more equitable clean energy economy.

“While developed countries are already shifting rapidly to renewables, developing economies like Indonesia often lack access to the financial and technological resources needed to transition away from fossil fuels. Mobilizing renewable energy support to emerging markets is one of the central discourses at COP26 this year.

“Indonesia has already signaled an important shift in its new long-term strategy, bringing the country one step closer to reaping the benefits of embracing a new climate economy. Demand for renewable energy from commercial, industrial and even individual users is higher than ever, and increasingly, renewable-friendly policies are being passed and implemented. Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia’s state-owned utility, will be the key to furthering this progress. 

“Over the past two years, through the Clean Energy Investment Accelerator, WRI and partners Allotrope and NREL have been supporting PLN in its development of renewable energy products. This has included the launch of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in November 2020, which opened up options for renewable electricity purchasing through PLN. WRI and PLN have already achieved remarkable milestones together, and we look forward to embarking on another two years of partnership and exploring more renewable electricity solutions. The energy transition cannot be achieved without collaboration, and we will continue to support PLN in accelerating Indonesia’s path towards a renewable energy future.”