Energy Minister meets Indonesian counterpart to foster net zero opportunities

Western Australian Energy Minister Bill Johnston has led a WA delegation including Horizon Power and industry, to conduct talks with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia.

Discussions earlier this week focused on areas for collaboration and problems that both WA and Indonesia face as they move towards net zero, such as providing energy to distant regions and carbon capture and storage.

Talks also centred on discovering new energy sources and the measures needed to make the energy transition, the government said in a media statement.

Horizon Power and the Western Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) are among those taking part in the Indonesia Connect Roadshow, which runs from 2 to 9 September 2023.

Representatives from Horizon Power presented their expertise in implementing low-carbon technology to address particular problems in small, isolated microgrids in rural Western Australia.

Minister Johnston expressed his pleasure at meeting with Director General Yudo Dwinanda Priaadi and his New and Renewable Energy team, which was made possible by the roadshow, saying the state is well-positioned to work with Indonesia to achieve net zero goals.

“These engagements, including the MoU signing between Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre and the National Battery Research Institute, demonstrate the potential for cooperation,” the minister noted. 

“I’m looking forward to continuing our productive and resourceful relationship as both regions work towards a green energy future,” he concluded. 

The minister was present when the National Battery Research Institute of Indonesia and Australia’s Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding. 

The two institutions have made a commitment to cooperating on projects related to capacity building, battery standardisation, battery ecosystem development, and education and training.

The agreement corresponds with the “Plan of Action” on cooperation in essential minerals agreed between WA and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) in July 2023.

It seeks to improve collaboration in battery research, technology, and innovation between Australia and Indonesia. 

The Cook Government is now leading the largest international investment and trade trip for the state.

Premier Cook oversees the mission, which includes 130 WA business, industry, media, and government representatives, and serves as a platform to promote the state as a renowned and trusted partner in Indonesia.