Green prosperity: A natural-based solution for rural electrification in Indonesia

Abstract

Primary energy demand in Indonesia is growing rapidly due to urbanization, economic growth and population increase. The contribution of New and Renewable Energy to the national energy mix is mandated to reach 23 % by 2025. Indonesia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) stresses five sectors in which greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are to be reduced with forestry and energy being the highest priority. While Indonesia is committed to address climate change through the forestry sector, there are clearly contextual challenges that need to be addressed to create the enabling conditions for REDD+. Biomass production for local energy supply in remote and rural areas could become the agent of change for this difficult problem. This paper proposes a methodology for rural electrification using a community and biomass-based power generation system exemplified by a real case in the Mentawai islands in Indonesia. By replicating this proven system that results in biomass production, land restoration, affordable electricity, and local economic growth, the contribution of renewable energy in the energy mix and the overall prosperity of Indonesians in rural and remote areas can be improved.