Western Australian Energy Minister Bill Johnston has met with the Indonesian Ministry for Energy and Mineral Resources to discuss prospects for cooperation and shared challenges in transitioning to net zero, including energy distribution and carbon capture and storage.
Talks also revolved around identifying new energy sources and the necessary actions concerning the transition.
Minister Johnson has expressed his enthusiasm about meeting with Director General Yudo Dwinanda Priaddi and his New and Renewable Energy team, which the Indonesia Connect Roadshow facilitated.
“Western Australia is well-placed to collaborate with Indonesia to meet net zero targets,” Minister Johnston said.
Horizon Power representatives and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) also participated in the Indonesia Connect Roadshow.
Representatives from Horizon Power talked about their experience in delivering low-carbon technology solutions to address challenges in small, isolated microgrids in regional WA.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has also been signed between Australia’s Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre and Indonesia’s National Battery Research Institute. These two organisations will collaborate in capacity building, education and training, the development of the battery ecosystem, and battery standardisation.
This agreement aims to fortify the collaboration between the two countries in battery research, technology, and innovation. It also aligns with the ‘Plan of Action’ on cooperation in critical minerals that the State and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) signed in July 2023.
“These engagements, including the MoU signing between Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre and the National Battery Research Institute, demonstrate the potential for cooperation,” Minister Johnston said.
According to the WA Government, Indonesia is currently the global leader in coal exportation. They also exhibit significant potential to produce renewable energy through geothermal, hydropower, solar, and other sources.
The State Government is spearheading WA’s largest overseas investment and trade mission. The delegation to Indonesia consists of 130 business, industry, media, and government representatives.
