For Every MW of Renewables Electricity, 30 New Workers are Needed, Says Official

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

PRESS RELEASE

NUMBER: 68.Pers/04/SJI/2022

Date: 9 February 2022

For Every MW of Renewables Electricity, 30 New Workers are Needed, Says Official

Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), Dadan Kusdiana, said that green or environmentally friendly economic policy (green economy), including green investment which is focused on renewables development, can create new and more sustainable jobs.

"According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewables created jobs for 12 million people in 2020. For renewables, the formula is that for every Megawatt (MW) of electricity generated, 30 new workers are needed. So, if we promote renewables, we create jobs," said Dadan in a talkshow titled 'Youth Movement for G20 Energy Transition' held in Jakarta on Tuesday (8/2).

Dadan went on to explain that renewables jobs are categorized as labor-intensive because interventions are needed in electric vehicle technologies, solar panel installation, energy efficiency, and even improvement of waste management.

The data from IRENA shows that the global growth of workforce in renewable businesses has continued to increase significantly year by year. In 2012, renewables created 7.3 million jobs, then the figures grew to 8.5 million people (2013), 9.5 million (2014), 10 million (2015), 10.1 million (2016), 10.5 million (2017), 11 million (2018), and 11.5 million (2019).

One of the factors that has led to an increasing number of workforce is the rapid growth of renewable start-ups. Start-ups can encourage innovation and investment for renewables development in Indonesia. Therefore, the government should give a guarantee that even if a business is a start-up, it offers excellent quality.

"The government ensures clear rules of the game, in terms of standards, quality, and specifications. This way, both sellers and buyers are protected," Dadan commented.

Dadan concluded by saying the government would ensure a new business scheme for renewables to raise employment in the field. (IY)

Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation

Agung Pribadi (08112213555)

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