Indonesia and Singapore finalise clean electricity export plans
Indonesia and Singapore are finalising plans to export clean electricity and positioning the Riau Islands as a hub for sustainable technology industries.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated in Jakarta on Sunday that the clean electricity export plan from Indonesia to Singapore is intended not merely as energy commerce, but also as a catalyst for attracting high-technology industrial investment. The government seeks to leverage abundant green energy to encourage global companies to establish production facilities and technology centres in the Batam, Bintan and Karimun (BBK) region, enabling the area to develop into Indonesia’s newest green industrial hub.
“I have received reports that the industrial zone is almost finalised. We shall develop it in the Riau Islands region. I am currently clearing this up. Once completed, I believe this represents significant progress in preparation,” said Bahlil.
Singapore’s Minister Tan See Leng welcomed the technical progress of this cooperation. “I believe most technical discussions have made good progress,” said Tan See Leng.
Both nations also discussed developing a sustainable industrial zone in Batam, Bintan and Karimun during the meeting.
The government is preparing a framework ensuring domestic electricity needs remain prioritised before exports, whilst opening opportunities for low-carbon technology cooperation such as carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Another key discussion point concerned electricity exports. Bahlil proposed exporting electricity from solar power plants (PLTS), aligned with the 100-gigawatt (GW) electricity programme built to meet domestic demand and enable exports to neighbouring countries.
However, pricing challenges exist, with green energy prices exceeding fossil fuel prices.
Both ministers agreed this synergy demonstrates energy leadership in ASEAN. With Singapore’s technical support and investment alongside Indonesia’s abundant resources, the vision of becoming a key player in the green energy supply chain is now on track.