Developers of Renewable Energy Training Centre in Indonesia target the youth

The potential for youth leaders, managers and young professionals in the energy transition

Creating demand and awareness around renewable energy and energy efficiency is essential for the development of this sector and the Indonesian energy transition as a whole. Therefore, the project team pays special attention to the role of communities and especially the training of (sustainable) youth leaders, sustainability influencers and young professionals.

Indonesia’s youth (15-24 years old) accounts for 24% of the current population and has the potential to change things in order to reach Indonesia’s sustainability goals.

Indonesian youth and student organizations have thousands of members and alumni networks play an important role. As youth is both the present and the future, they have to be informed and made aware today of the opportunities for the sustainable future of this archipelago.

Human capital essential for renewable energy development

Indonesia ranks high on the list of energy consumers, on par with countries such as South Africa and Australia but with a vastly larger population. Current consumption is about 3,5 times the Dutch energy consumption while having a 16 times larger population. Power supply in Indonesia is expected to double or even triple in the next 10 year to support further population growth and ongoing development.

Most of the existing energy is based on fossil fuels but renewable energy technologies have reached a tipping point. Until recently, the city of Utrecht in the Netherlands had more solar PV installed than the whole of Indonesia, but renewables are now getting so attractive that clean energy is the way forward.

Both industry and government have signalled – similar to the Netherlands - that a lack of skilled and trained personnel is one of the main barriers towards scaling up renewable energy in Indonesia. The message is clear: without qualified personnel and access to knowledge and experience, Indonesia will not be able to fully benefit from the job and business opportunities awaiting around the corner.

Working towards the final project phase

Currently the project is in the second phase of Designing. The team identified three different target audiences and funding sources for a RETC in Bali. The last project phase of Validation and Implementation with stakeholders, should clarify which proposition to go for, and how this can be realized.