The ACCESS Project Supports Energy Conservation Efforts, A Shared Responsibility of All
The need for electricity is increasing with the growing population and economic activities as people strive to meet their livelihood requirements.[1] On the other hand, the use of fossil fuels as an energy source generates Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions that have adverse effects on the environment. Therefore, as electricity consumption rises, the use of fossil fuels and the resulting GHG emissions also increase. This can worsen environmental conditions.
Various measures can be taken to minimize this issue, including the utilization of Renewable New Energy (EBT), energy conservation efforts, and more. In 2021, the use of EBT contributed to a 43.7% reduction in GHG emissions in the energy sector in Indonesia, out of the total reduction of 69.5 million tons of CO2. The reduction in emissions was also achieved through energy efficiency measures (21%), the use of low-carbon fuels (17.3%), the implementation of clean power generation technology (13.5%), and other activities (4.5%).[2]
Energy Conservation
According to Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia (PP RI) Number 70 of 2009 concerning Energy Conservation, Article 1, paragraph 1, energy conservation is a systematic, planned, and integrated effort aimed at preserving domestic energy resources and improving their utilization efficiency. Energy conservation can also be defined as the optimal and efficient use of energy according to actual needs, which results in reduced energy costs (energy savings and cost savings). Furthermore, Article 2, paragraph 1, states that energy conservation is the responsibility of the government, provincial governments, district/city governments, entrepreneurs, and the public.[3] In other words, energy conservation is a collective responsibility.
In addition to reducing GHG emissions, energy conservation efforts become essential in specific conditions. For instance, in situations where electricity supply is highly limited due to factors like remote areas with very limited electricity infrastructure, restricted capacity of renewable energy generators, and the variable nature of energy production from renewable generators, such as Solar Power Plants (PLTS), which heavily depend on sunlight radiation.
Therefore, the ACCESS Project, which is building PLTS in 23 remote villages across four Indonesian provinces, continues to educate local communities about the importance of energy conservation measures to save the electricity supply generated by the PLTS.
Start Now!
The implementation of energy conservation efforts needs to start immediately. It is essential to raise public awareness about the significance of energy conservation and to involve all segments of society, as mandated by Government Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia No. 70 of 2009. By doing so, energy reserves can be used wisely and efficiently, thereby minimizing GHG emissions that have adverse effects on the environment.
Author: Dawam Faizul Amal
References:
- A. S. F. Rajagukguk, M. Pakiding, and M. Rumbayan, “Kajian Perencanaan Kebutuhan dan Pemenuhan Energi Listrik di Kota Manado,” J. Tek. Elektro dan Komput., vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 1–11, May 2015, doi: 10.35793/JTEK.4.3.2015.7972.
- KESDM, “Capaian Kinerja Sektor ESDM Tahun 2021 & Rencana 2022,” 2022.
- Pemerintah Pusat, Peraturan Pemerintah (PP) Nomor 70 Tahun 2009 tentang Konservasi Energi. 2009, pp. 1–3.