Universitas Andalas Strengthens Net Zero Emission Pathway through DEN–PSLH Forum, Supporting SDG 7 and SDG 13

Padang, November 6, 2024 — Universitas Andalas continues to strengthen its role in supporting sustainable energy transition and climate action in line with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Through a public lecture organized by the Center for Environmental Studies (PSLH), the university facilitated the dissemination of national energy balance analysis to enhance understanding among academics and students regarding energy management challenges and the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy systems.

The public lecture, titled Dissemination of National Energy Balance Analysis, was held at the 3rd floor of the Graduate School Building, Universitas Andalas. The event featured Dr. Ir. As Natio Lasman, a stakeholder member of the National Energy Council (DEN), and was attended by lecturers as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students.

In his presentation, Dr. As Natio Lasman explained that Indonesia’s current energy landscape is still heavily dominated by fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal. This dependency presents significant challenges due to the finite nature of fossil resources and the substantial government subsidies required to sustain them. He also highlighted global geopolitical dynamics as a factor that may disrupt national energy supply chains.

“International geopolitical conditions, such as conflicts, can indirectly affect and disrupt the energy supply routes that Indonesia depends on,” he stated.

He further emphasized that fossil fuel consumption contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which drive global warming. Therefore, emission control remains a critical agenda in national energy management. “If GHG emissions are not controlled, global temperatures will continue to rise,” he added.

Indonesia, he noted, is targeting Net Zero Emission by 2060, aiming to balance emitted and absorbed carbon through comprehensive national energy policies. “By 2060, Indonesia is projected to reach a balance where emissions produced are equal to those absorbed,” he explained.

Additionally, he highlighted the significant potential for renewable energy development in Indonesia, particularly geothermal energy. One promising area is South Solok in West Sumatra, which possesses substantial geothermal resources suitable for sustainable energy development.

Meanwhile, Head of the Center for Environmental Studies, Universitas Andalas, Mahdi, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D., emphasized that energy demand continues to grow alongside economic development and population increase. Nearly all human activities, from electricity use to transportation, depend heavily on energy availability.

According to him, this condition requires solutions that not only meet energy demands but also ensure environmental sustainability. “This calls for solutions that not only focus on fulfilling energy needs but also safeguard environmental sustainability for a better future,” he concluded.

Through this initiative, Universitas Andalas reinforces its academic role in enhancing energy literacy and encouraging higher education institutions to contribute actively to sustainable energy development and climate change mitigation.