Australia-Indonesia Cooperation in Renewable Energy Sector Using Weather Data

ELBAHRAIN.NET – The Australian Bureau of Meteorology on December 5, 2024,
agreed to collaborate with the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency
(BMKG) to enhance renewable energy planning through the effective utilization of weather data. This collaboration will be facilitated by the Australia-Indonesia Climate and Infrastructure Partnership (KINETIK).

David McQueen, representing the Australian Bureau of Meteorology,
emphasized the critical role of weather data in shaping the future of energy systems,
expressing enthusiasm for partnering with Indonesian organizations to support the
development and application of weather and climate information in energy systems planning.

“Accurate weather forecasts empower electricity grid operators to optimize renewable energy
generation planning and effectively provision reserves to ensure no power outages on cloudy days or
during periods of low wind speeds,” said McQueen during his working visit to Jakarta this week.

BMKG’s Deputy for Climatology, Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan, highlighted the agency’s focus on providing climate services to support the future energy sector. He warmly welcomed this new collaboration in developing climate services specifically tailored for renewable energy generation.

“This is one of our main priorities,” said Ardhasena.

Australia’s engagement in Indonesia’s climate action and energy transition initiatives is steadily increasing. Recently, the Australia-Indonesia Agreement on Enhancing Energy Transition Cooperation was formally signed.

This agreement covers cooperation in the development of electric vehicles, as well as a
significant milestone: an agreement between the Indonesian State Electricity Company and Export
Finance Australia to establish a capital financing facility valued at US$200 million (approximately Rp3 trillion) to
support Indonesia’s ambitious energy transition goals.

Australia-Indonesia Cooperation

During Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Jakarta in June 2022,
he reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to deepening cooperation and fostering friendship with Indonesia. Indonesia and Australia maintain a close partnership on trade, development, education, and regional security.

Prime Minister Albanese hoped to build even stronger bilateral ties, including the revitalization of trade
relations and the promotion of collaborative efforts in climate action, infrastructure development, and the energy sector.

The Australian Embassy in Jakarta underscored the mutual willingness of both countries to explore the
potential of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Furthermore, they have agreed to proceed with the proposed infrastructure and climate funding
allocation of A$200 million (approximately Rp2 trillion) to support Indonesia’s sustainability objectives.