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Moving to green: Impact of energy transition on TNI and defense sector
Energy transition in the defense sector requires in-depth planning and an assessment to ensure that such a policy would not compromise operational aspects.
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Indonesian Military (TNI) soldiers take part in a parade marking its 78th anniversary at the National Monument Square in Jakarta on Oct. 5, 2023. (Antara/Fauzan)
D
uring the Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center (PYC) International Energy Conference 2023 on Sept. 15, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Arifin Tasrif emphasized the country’s commitment to energy transition. He said that to reach net-zero emissions (NZEs) by 2060, Jakarta has formulated a road map, focusing on the use and development of renewable energy.
The government has underlined such goals quite often, including during the Group of 20 Summit in Bali last year.
While the commitment is a good start, the progress to reach the NZE goal should be able to be seen and evaluated, at least part of it, by 2045, as Indonesia celebrates its centenary, with a target of becoming a developed nation. In response, ministries and institutions have begun aligning all programs to meet the desired goals.
Therefore, the 2029-2044 period will be crucial for the government to ensure that energy transition programs will be implemented in all sectors, including the Indonesian Military (TNI) and defense industry.
Energy transition has been a concern for militaries all around the world and has led services to review their strategies to include such a transformation. For instance, the United States Army has released its “climate strategy” to support the Biden administration’s goal of reaching NZEs by 2050. The US military also targeted building a military microgrid or "floatovoltaics", a floating solar grid, to power its bases and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Meanwhile, the European Union’s Strategic Compass calls on the military and defense industries to participate in the “green transition”. Similar commitments have also emerged in nations including Japan, India, Australia and Singapore
Despite the phenomenon, energy transition in the defense sector is complicated and requires in-depth planning and assessment to ensure that such a policy would not backfire, including ensuring that such a shift would not compromise operational aspects.
