The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) noted that Indonesia's coal exports to the European Union rose sharply from USD 96.21 million in August to USD 161.69 million in September. This increase in black gold orders to European countries occurred because of the energy crisis in the European Continent. The energy shortage itself was triggered by Russia which stopped the flow of gas to Europe. As a result, European countries have again turned to coal-fired power plants and temporarily buried the discourse of transition to renewable energy. Energy shortages in Europe are also in line with their efforts to deal with winter. During this period, Europe needs an energy supply for heating. Based on BPS data, Indonesia's coal exports to Poland rose sharply by 95.47% from USD 32.42 million in August 2022 to USD 63.36 million in September 2022. In addition, coal shipments that did not exist in August 2022 to the Netherlands, in September became available with a value of USD 55.85 million.
Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) Executive Director Fabby Tumiwa estimates that the surge in Indonesian coal exports to Europe revealed by the Central Statistics Agency at the beginning of last week could only continue until April or May 2023. Indeed, he said, countries in Europe still need coal. However, currently, they are also seeking alternative gas supplies apart from Russia. "The dependence on gas from Russia is starting to decrease and it is estimated that gas prices will decrease," Fabby told CNNIndonesia.com, Monday (18/10). In addition, he said, winter had already passed in April 2023. Not only that, but Europe was also allegedly set to maintain its Fit for 55 target, which is to reduce emissions by 55% in 2030. The emission reduction comes from the increase in renewable energy. Meanwhile, Energy Watch Executive Director Mamit Setiawan said this coal order from Europe will last for a fairly long time, at least until the Russia-Ukraine conflict can be resolved soon. Unfortunately, until now there are no signs of the war being over. According to Mamit, this is important so that gas supplies for European countries can return to normal, considering that 60% of European gas comes from Russia. "They (European countries) to fully use NRE, for example, solar panels, the wind is still not sufficient. The cost is also more expensive," said Mamit. He also said European countries' options for using nuclear as a replacement were also limited. Therefore, like it or not, Europe must return to coal, which is still quite large and easy to obtain. "I estimate that in 2023 we will still have to get through this windfall. This is because Europe has not been able to fully recover from the energy crisis," he said.
