National Workshop 2019: Clean and Affordable Renewable Energy for Sustainable Rural and Remote Areas through Microgrid

The National Workshop 2019, titled "Clean and Affordable Renewable Energy for Sustainable Rural and Remote Areas through Microgrids," was designed to target both government and private stakeholders. Its primary objectives were to raise the electrification rate in Indonesia and share the initial findings of the research project known as "Creating Resilient Sustainable Microgrids through Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems" (CRESUM-HYRES). Valuable insights and contributions were provided by national stakeholders, government agencies, and various private entities. This workshop took place at the Ashley Hotel in Jakarta over two days, from December 5th to 6th, 2019, and was organized by RDI with funding support from UKAID, The Royal Society, and EPSRC. Remarkably, the event attracted more than 150 participants from over 50 organizations actively involved in the development of renewable energy in Indonesia, with the creation of policy briefs as a key outcome.

Among the participants from national-level government agencies, the Ministry of Villages emphasized the critical importance of incorporating renewable energy considerations into village development plans. This issue was particularly underscored by Samsul Widodo, the Directorate General for Development of Disadvantaged Regions. He pointed out that the national budget allocated for village development largely focused on infrastructure and facilities, neglecting electricity provision and renewable energy production entirely. Consequently, he stressed the need for greater attention and implementation of renewable energy solutions in the upcoming year.

The workshop featured a total of six thematic panels, each aimed at advancing the development of renewable energy technologies in rural and remote areas. Furthermore, this event served as a significant opportunity for South-to-South cooperation, involving developing countries such as Indonesia, Tanzania, and Uganda. These nations sought to prioritize renewable energy in their respective electrification and development endeavors. Ultimately, this workshop is expected to make a meaningful contribution to global challenges, particularly those related to climate change and the transition to clean energy sources.