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s the 19th Conference on the Electricity Supply Industry (CEPSI) in Nusa Dua, Bali, kicked off on Monday, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik declared his determination to develop clean technology and renewable energy in Indonesia.

Indonesia, often criticized for its dependence on fossil fuels for its power plants, will host the conference from Monday to Friday this week, with “Enhancing Clean Technology and Securing Investment for Sustainable Electricity Industry Development” as the symposium’s theme.

In his opening speech delivered before hundreds of participants from the international power supply industry, Jero said Indonesia would need more investment in its power supply given the country’s recent economic growth.

“With economic growth ranging from 6 to 6.5 percent, Indonesia is actually starting to experience deficits in terms of its power supply,” he said at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center in Nusa Dua, Bali.

The minister acknowledged that, sooner or later, Indonesia and the rest of the world must say farewell to crude oil as a source of electricity due to its soaring price and limited supply.

Therefore, Jero said, in order to face future challenges in Indonesia’s bid to become one of the world’s seven-largest economies by 2030, he was hoping that more investors would pump money into the country’s power-supply sector.

“Basically, as long as all of you [investors] have the commitment to make investments that are pro-growth, pro-jobs, pro-poor and pro-environment, we will accept you with open arms,” he said. “If you are against that then please just be tourists here.”

Commenting on coal, which is expected to act as an interim energy source for Indonesia’s power plants as the country expands its renewable energy development, Jero demanded the firms in Indonesia use clean technology when establishing coal-based power plants.

“I only have one message: coal-based power plants are notorious for their horrible impact on the environment. Therefore, please use the clean technologies that have been invented lately,” he said.

At least 1,100 participants from 31 countries around the world will participate in the five-day event, which will include around 390 presentations and discussions from companies, policy-makers and experts.

The topics will include developing clean technology and renewable energy as well as issues relating to policies, regulations, risk management, technology and problems and solutions on generation, transmission and distribution.

The companies expected to present their views and plans at the event include global technology and energy giant General Electric, Tokyo Electron Ltd. and Medco Power Indonesia.

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, state electricity firm PT PLN signed two agreements: the first with New York-listed firm General Electric and the second with Malaysian electricity firm Tenaga Nasional Bhd. and state coal mining firm PT Bukit Asam.

CEPSI is a bi-annual event, which took place in Taiwan last year and is expected to be held in South Korea in 2014.