Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesia and Portugal followed up on the 2014 agreement of the Joint Working Group on energy and geology by holding the first online Indonesian-Portugal Energy Committee Meeting on June 9, 2021.

The meeting discussed the energy transition in the two countries, the development of electric vehicles in Indonesia, the solar PV bidding process in Portugal, and the renewable energy transition projects on Portuguese Graciosa Island in Azores.

Portugal shared its experience on the auction of solar panels conducted by the Directorate General of Energy and Geology (DGEG).

The bidders were required to submit a guarantee. After being appointed as the winner, they should complete a number of requirements, such as obtaining land rights, production permits, compiling environmental impact analysis, as well as attaining construction permits and exploration permits.

The local administration of the Azores Islands is also seeking to switch conventional energy sources to renewable energy.

In 2020, the Azores managed to diversify its energy sources by 40 percent from sustainable energy sources.

One of the islands in the Azores, Graciosa, was chosen as a pilot model for hybrid (solar and wind power) power generation facilities, as well as energy storage facilities.

Today, 60 percent of Graciosa Island's electricity supply comes from renewable energy.

At the meeting, Indonesia also expressed its commitment to reducing the national carbon footprint.

Indonesia targets to reduce carbon emissions by 41 percent by 2030 with international supports.

To achieve that goal, the government has prepared a number of programs, including the developments of a Green Industrial Estate in North Kalimantan province, biofuels, a lithium battery industry, and electric vehicles.

The cooperation in the energy sector between Indonesia and Portugal also contributes to achieving green energy commitments, among others through the implementation of human resources capacity buildings, expert exchanges, trainings, and various other programs.

Reporting by Indonesia Window