In this episode of Energy Insights, we explore the critical issue of captive coal power in Indonesia, a significant obstacle to the country’s 2040 coal phase-out target. Captive coal plants, which operate off-grid to supply energy to industries like nickel production, are expanding rapidly, locking industries into long-term fossil fuel dependency. This episode examines the environmental and public health impacts of this trend, highlighting projections of increased air pollution and premature deaths if reliance on captive coal continues unchecked.

The discussion also addresses the economic risks of fossil fuel dependency, including stranded assets and reduced global competitiveness in a world moving toward renewable energy. Indonesia’s immense renewable energy potential, particularly in solar, wind, and geothermal power, offers a clear path forward. The conversation explores how policy reforms, technological innovation, and international collaboration can accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems, aligning Indonesia’s energy future with global climate goals.

Discover how Indonesia can overcome the challenges posed by captive coal, harness its vast renewable resources, and lead Southeast Asia’s energy transition towards a sustainable and equitable future.

Read more on this topic here:
https://energytracker.asia/captive-coal-in-indonesia

This episode of Energy Insights critically examines the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), an initiative aimed at advancing decarbonisation across 11 countries in Asia and the Pacific. While AZEC aspires to promote regional collaboration and sustainable energy development, its dependence on fossil fuel-based technologies, including LNG, CCS, and ammonia co-firing, raises important questions about its alignment with decarbonisation goals.

Drawing on insights from the Asia Zero Emission Community’s Fossil Fuel Dependency report, the discussion explores the environmental, economic, and policy challenges impeding Asia’s energy transition. Topics include the region’s vast renewable energy potential, such as Indonesia’s significant solar capacity and Vietnam’s progress in wind energy, alongside the pressing need to prioritise renewables and phase out fossil fuels.

Offering actionable strategies, the episode highlights how robust policies, regional collaboration, and technological innovation can drive Asia towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

This episode of Energy Insights explores the contrasts shaping Asia’s renewable energy landscape. With surging energy demands and immense potential for renewable transformation, Asia is both a challenge and an opportunity in the global energy transition.

The discussion focuses on the successes of countries like China, India, and Vietnam, where ambitious policies and investments are driving renewable energy progress. It also examines the obstacles faced by nations such as Indonesia and Pakistan, highlighting the critical barriers of policy inconsistencies, financing challenges, and reliance on fossil fuels.

Strategies for bridging these gaps are also discussed, including regional collaboration, policy innovation, and technological advancements that can accelerate the region’s shift towards a sustainable energy future.