Electricity in 2015

Electricity in 2015

From Bisnis Indonesia

Director General of the Atomic Energy Agency, Djali Ahimsa, and Minister of Research and Technology, B.J. Habibie, said during a hearing with the House of Representatives' Commission X that only nuclear technology can be the answer to the great demand for electric power in the year 2015 to support massive industrialization and economic development.

The director general further related that alternative sources of energy, such as solar, wind, water and geothermal, are insufficient.

It seems that the two officials are casting aside the possibility of improvement, development and innovation that might take place in 15 years time, in the field of science and technology, to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the above sources as a response to industrial demand.

I need give only two examples. First, World Watch Institute reported that fluorescent lights can substantially save energy consumption when they are used, replacing ordinary electric light bulbs (Saving the Planet Earth, YOI, 1994). Another research reveals that Indonesian industries can save up to 11 percent of energy without capital investment by changing working procedures (Future of the Earth, YOI, 1995).

Obviously, the result can be manifold if the project is done with the support of effective capital investment.

ANDREAS ISWINARTO

Jakarta