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From mine sales to expansion into nickel and aluminum smelting, coal producers in Indonesia are strategically reducing their exposure to the commodity due to challenges in finding financing for coal. Despite the country’s growing coal capacity, Indonesia remains one of the biggest emitters of carbon, prompting criticism from environmental groups for its slow transition to greener energy sources.
Corporate efforts to diversify highlight the increasing scrutiny businesses face amid the energy transition and concerns over long-term demand for coal. Ray Gunara, president-director of Harum Energy, acknowledges the growing environmental, social, and governance pressures, stating that raising funds for coal-related activities has become increasingly challenging in recent years.
Harum Energy, a smaller coal producer in Indonesia, aims to make coal a minority business by redirecting cash flow from coal operations into expanding its nickel processing business. The company plans to close its coal business once reserves are depleted, emphasizing a strategic shift towards nickel production to meet the rising demand for electric vehicle batteries.
Other coal producers in Indonesia, such as Indika Energy and Adaro Energy, are also transitioning by diversifying into electric motorbikes, solar power plants, aluminum smelting, and hydro power plants. The move towards diversification is driven by the difficulties in securing financing for coal-related projects, with foreign banks largely halting their support for coal operations.
Despite these efforts, Indonesia’s coal capacity continues to grow, posing a challenge to the country’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2060. The government has banned the construction of new coal power plants, except for strategic projects deemed vital to national interests.
While coal remains a lucrative business, Indonesian coal producers are facing pressure to diversify and reduce their reliance on coal. The shift towards greener energy sources and the tightening access to funding for coal operations are driving companies to explore alternative business ventures.
In conclusion, the future of Indonesia’s coal industry is at a crossroads, with companies navigating the challenges of transitioning to more sustainable practices while balancing financial considerations. As the energy landscape evolves, Indonesian coal producers are forced to adapt to changing market dynamics and environmental pressures. rewrite this sentence for me