Utilizing Renewable Energy to Reduce Carbon Emissions in Indonesia

The climate crisis occurring around the world is a phenomenon that causes the earth to continually degrade. If it continues, climate crisis has the potential to threaten human life. Carbon emission, as one of the main triggers of atmospherical degradation, is a focal point of many green initiatives nowadays. The continuous increase of carbon emissions in the world causes various issues, especially increases in temperatures around the globe.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a prediction regarding a high spike in the Earth's surface temperature, by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius in 2022-2026. The estimated time is several years earlier than the initial projection made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Therefore, contributions from various sectors are needed to prevent the acceleration of temperature rise on the earth's surface.

One of the most impactful initiatives is to change the electricity supply for the commercial sector from fossil fuels to more environmentally friendly renewable energy sources. By doing so, carbon emissions will be reduced and the earth will continue to be a livable place for generations to come.

Indonesia's carbon emissions are the second largest in the world, how is it possible?

Indonesia is the second largest contributor to carbon emissions from land-use change, that is, any and all changes to the natural landscape in order to conduct humans’ economical activities. This has even been reported by Global Carbon Project scientists, where during the period 2013 to 2022, land use change in Indonesia contributed 930 million tons of CO2 per year. This amount has contributed 19.9% of the total carbon in the world.

The Global Carbon Project also reports that Indonesia's carbon emissions in 2022 will increase by 18.3% from the previous year, which is the largest increase annually compared to other countries.

What are the triggers? In addition to the land use change sector, the increase in carbon emissions in Indonesia is due to high deforestation and increased use of fossil energy, especially coal in Indonesia, an energy source which accounts for 41% of Indonesia's total carbon emissions.

Apart from coal, petroleum also contributes 32% of carbon emissions, gas 21%, cement 4%, refinery lighting and so on. The weather in Indonesia is getting hotter day by day. The increase of greenhouse gases undoubtedly contributed to Indonesia’s rising temperatures, as going outdoors feels hotter day-by-day. Therefore, action is needed to reduce Indonesia's carbon emissions. In this case, renewable energy could be a milestone to achieve Net Zero Emission by 2050.

Factors causing increased carbon emissions in Indonesia

Well, there are many factors that caused the increase of carbon emissions produced in Indonesia year-by-year, such as:

1.    Fossil fuel combustion 

Indonesia is increasingly burning fossil fuels, especially coal, oil and gas. The accumulation of these fossil energy activities globally contributed to 87% of CO2 levels in the atmosphere. As one of the most densely populated countries in the globe, the need for more energy source and fuel continues to add to our air pollution.

2. There is a process of decay

The decomposition process that occurs in various organic waste also contributes to carbon emissions in the atmosphere, as it releases CO2 into the environment.

3.     Deforestation and logging

As described above, the land use change sector had a major contribution in increasing CO2 in the atmosphere. Considering how Indonesia is one of the countries with the largest forest area and has an important role in maintaining the balance of the global environment, second to Brazil. If Indonesia and Brazil become the biggest emitters of carbon gases, then what will happen to the lives of future generations?

4.    Production in the commercial industrial sector

Carbon emissions have also increased significantly due to the massive industrialization process. These include cement production, nitrogen fertilizer use, waste disposal, and many other production activities that  accumulate CO2 in the atmosphere.

The role of solar energy in reducing carbon emissions 

Switching from fossil energy to renewable energy is one of the most sensible things you can do now, one of which is by utilizing solar energy through massive rooftop solar power plant (PLTS) installations in all sectors. The Indonesian government is also aware of this, as evidenced by the formation of a regulation on the utilization of rooftop solar power plants, through the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation Number 2 of 2024.

The installation of rooftop solar power plants will reduce electricity consumption from fossil energy. In addition, by utilizing solar energy through rooftop solar power plants, you can also produce electricity that is more environmentally friendly so that the reduction of carbon emissions can be achieved.

A rooftop solar installation converts energy from sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, a process that is free from combustion or other chemical processes that adversely affect the environment.

With increased public awareness and understanding of the benefits of renewable energy, especially from the commercial sector, hopefully the energy transition from fossil energy to renewable energy can proceed more quickly.

Opportunities and challenges in utilizing solar energy as a renewable energy source

In terms of opportunities, Indonesia is rich in sunshine throughout the year. In fact, every day, almost all parts of Indonesia receive 6 hours of sunlight. Design and maintenance of rooftop solar power installations will not be a problem, as rooftop solar power developers like Suryanesia can help.

While the challenges of solar energy utilization remain, such as the initial cost and the various infrastructures required, Suryanesia provides a solution for this. With the Solar-as-a-Service (SaaS), businesses in the commercial sector no longer need to worry about initial investment costs. With this service, you can utilize solar energy without the hassle of thinking about how to maintain it, so that you can focus more on increasing production, human resources, and creating innovations that contribute to the benefit of many people.

Conclusion 

Environmental degradation caused by the increasing amount of carbon emissions worldwide is a serious problem that requires concrete solutions. Increasing the utilization of renewable energy, such as solar energy, is an appropriate and immediate step that needs to be taken by all sectors, especially the commercial sector.

To make it happen, you can do it easily, especially if you work with Suryanesia. With Suryanesia's SaaS service, you can utilize solar energy without the initial investment cost. Suryanesia will also help you get a hassle-free solution and scheduled maintenance of your rooftop solar installation. With Suryanesia, you can go green in the commercial sector and increase your revenue sustainably.

Contact us now, if you want to get an attractive offer with no initial investment, no hassle, and immediately enjoy the benefits.