In the heart of Southeast Asia, Indonesia is on a mission to reshape its energy landscape, and a groundbreaking dataset could be the key to unlocking its clean energy future. Mutiara Ramadhani Nur Irbah, a researcher at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, has compiled an open-access dataset that promises to revolutionize energy planning and policy analysis in Indonesia and beyond.
Indonesia, with its vast archipelago and burgeoning economy, is a microcosm of the global energy transition challenge. The country is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, but the path forward is fraught with data gaps and uncertainties. “Accessing comprehensive and up-to-date energy data in Indonesia can be a significant hurdle,” Irbah explains. “This dataset aims to bridge that gap, providing a solid foundation for evidence-based decision-making.”
The dataset, published in a journal called ‘Brief Reports on Data,’ spans from 2010 to 2070, offering a panoramic view of Indonesia’s energy systems. It includes historical and projected data on electricity demand by sector, generation, installed capacity, capacity factors, and the costs of various energy technologies. Moreover, it assesses the potential of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, which are crucial for Indonesia’s decarbonization goals.
The dataset’s scope is impressive, but its true power lies in its adherence to the U4RIA principles—Ubuntu, Retrievability, Reusability, Repeatability, Reconstructability, Interoperability, and Auditability. These principles ensure that the data is not only accessible and reliable but also adaptable for future use and integration with other tools and models.
For the energy sector, this dataset is a game-changer. It provides a comprehensive, harmonized view of Indonesia’s energy landscape, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions about investments, policy development, and strategic planning. “This dataset can help energy companies identify opportunities for growth in the renewable sector, assess risks, and plan for the future,” Irbah notes.
The implications extend beyond Indonesia’s borders. The methodology used to create this dataset can serve as a blueprint for other countries grappling with similar energy transition challenges. By providing a template for developing open-access, comprehensive energy datasets, Irbah’s work could catalyze a wave of data-driven energy planning worldwide.
As Indonesia strides towards a cleaner energy future, this dataset could be the compass guiding its journey. For energy professionals, policymakers, and investors, it offers a roadmap filled with data-driven insights, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous energy landscape. The future of energy planning is here, and it’s open for all to see.