By: Cindy Ramadhani )*
The Group of Twenty Summit (G20 Summit) brought a commitment to change to green energy, aka more environmentally friendly. The G20 event is also a momentum to show that Indonesia is ready to switch energy sources to green energy.
When Indonesia hosts the G20 Summit in 2022, it will not only discuss the big theme, namely: recovering together, recovering stronger. However, other topics were also discussed, such as the economy at the sherpa meeting, women’s empowerment through the Woman of Twenty (W20) forum, and green energy at the G20 Summit and The Business 20 (B20). Especially the discussion about green energy because it attracted the attention of all forum participants who really wanted to know more about its benefits.
Nicke Widyawati, Chair of the Energy, Sustainability, and climate Task Force explained the importance of green energy as stated by President Jokowi. There will be a green energy transition which will be presented at the upcoming G20 meeting. This was agreed at the B20 meeting, aka the business inception meeting, which was held virtually at the end of January 2022.
Nicke continued, the green energy transition is a challenge for all, but also an opportunity to create a sustainable future and economic growth. In a sense, green energy from Indonesia can be highly sold to G20 participants, and when they are suitable it will also be spread again throughout the world. Indonesia will have good economic growth because it sells green energy to many places.
What is meant by green energy is today’s energy that does not depend on fossil processing, but is energy from hydro-energy, biodiesel, etc. Green is not a color but a term used because it utilizes natural materials as a new energy source. So that we have an alternative because fossil reserves are running low, and when they are completely depleted, they will not be distraught.
The benefit of green energy is that apart from not having to use fossils as raw materials, it is also more environmentally friendly and loves the earth. The reason is because when processing and using this energy it will not create thick black smoke, which can deplete the ozone layer. We must maintain the health of the earth so that we turn to green energy.
There are three priority issues that become the focus of the energy transition policy recommendations. The first is accelerating the transition to sustainable power and green energy, such as biofuels and hydrogen. There must be an acceleration so that the earth’s temperature does not heat up and the maximum limit is an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, when it has not been 100% switched to green energy.
Second, ensure a fair and affordable transition. In a sense, green fuel aka biodiesel etc. is not only environmentally friendly but the price is also not too expensive. The reason is because if the price is too expensive, then people don’t want to use it, because it will drain the office. So the government must be smart in calculating so as not to lose and at the same time not burden the community.
While the third is global cooperation to improve energy security. For example, for SMEs and households. In a sense, all members of the G20 must work together to form and distribute green energy. So that the people who benefit from using environmentally friendly energy sources, and the price is not too expensive.
The G20 and B20 summits carry a commitment to continue promoting green energy, because it has many advantages, including being more environmentally friendly and a sustainable source. In addition, the source is also from nature so it does not damage the ozone layer or heat the earth’s temperature, so it is safe for everyone. G20 members also support it so that it is compact in using green energy.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students
