Global Cooperation on Enhancing Energy Security

JAKARTA - Task Force Energy, Sustainability, and Climate (TF ESC) B20, in collaboration with the Society of Renewable Energy (SRE), held the second webinar in the side event of the TF ESC International Essay Competition with the theme “Global Cooperation on Enhancing Energy Security” on Thursday, July 28, 2022, in Jakarta.

Oki Muraza, Manager Policy of TF ESC B20, said that Business 20 (B20) in the fields of energy, sustainability, and climate had put forward three policy recommendations; the third policy recommendation focuses on boosting global corporations to increase consumer accessibility levels to clean and modern energy.

“We ensure the accessibility of energy to end users, which means that accelerating access to clean, modern fuels is critical to reducing poverty and environmental damage caused by the use of solid fuels for cooking,” he said at the opening of the webinar.

However, he sees that electricity access targets are still lagging, especially in developing countries. “Therefore, collaborations are needed to strengthen networks and mini-grids, such as supporting regulations and policies, as well as strong financial support and a strong community for a great extension,” explained Oki.

Energy consumption is increasing over time, driven by population and economic growth. Therefore, clean and modern energy must be adopted to reduce greenhouse gases and provide cost-saving benefits for households and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

“We see G20 countries supporting the adoption of clean and modern technologies and providing infrastructure with financial support, accessibility, skills upgrading, and awareness programs for households and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The energy transition, especially in developing countries in the G20 economy and beyond, will require actions that target the reduction of required energy costs and transition investments to overcome them,” said Oki, who also serves as SVP Research & Technology Innovation at PT Pertamina.

For this reason, Jacques Warichet, the Power System Transformation Analyst from the International Energy Agency, said that the government must ensure that permits and regulations/policies are completed quickly.

“We need to encourage the integration of renewable energy systems to ensure that rapid deployment is carried out safely and contributes to the energy transition,” Jacques said.

In line with Jacques, Nuki Agya Utama, Executive Director - ASEAN Center for Energy, said that the government must ensure energy security for the community.

“We encourage the government to ensure that energy is available to everyone, not only for developed countries but also for developing countries,” explained Nuki.

Chair of G20 Energy Transition Working Group Yudo Dwinanda Priadi said, to develop energy solutions, we must reduce the dependence on fossil fuels to reduce the impact of carbon emissions.

“We must work together and collaborate because this is a real opportunity. We must see the problem as an opportunity to grow, create the best policy, and ensure that the decision can maintain energy security,” said Yudo.•HM