Indonesia has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2060, with emphasis on the electricity sector eliminating harmful gas emissions by that year. Using the Balmorel energy model, this study simulated the impact of the target on optimal capacity expansion, electricity production mix, emissions, and electricity supply costs across 230 grid systems. The results indicate the substantial benefits of integrating solar photovoltaics (PV) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Solar energy sees a remarkable capacity increase, reaching 288.7 GWp by 2060. Other renewable sources, including hydro and wind energies, also exhibited significant growth, increasing from 6.2 GW and 130 MW in 2030 to 29.4 GW and 22.5 GW, respectively, by 2060. Intermittent renewables’ growth necessitates a rise in BESS capacity from 1 MW in 2022 to 73.4 GW by 2060. The study also underscores to replace phased-out coal-fired power plants with nuclear power by 2060. The study concludes with policy implications arising from these findings. ... Read more

Failures of countries to set and achieve renewable energy targets are prevalent, producing uncertainty as to the possibility of renewable energy contributing to a reduction in global emissions. Lack of policy and incorrect modelling analyses are among the sources of these failures and understanding these two sources is crucial for improving confidence in renewables. We assess errors in projections pertaining to the capacity and production of renewable energy in the United States and those countries of the European Union that have strong commitments to green energy supply. Our results show that solar energy has the lowest level of uncertainty as it has the most achievable capacity projections. However, other renewables entail more attractive policies and further research is needed for the advancement of reliable technology and accurate weather predictions. Our findings also provide ranges for the projection uncertainties for six renewable energy technologies, drawing attentions to ways that the dominant errors in these renewable energy projections may be rectified. ... Read more