West Sumatra targets NZE by 2060

West Sumatra Province has set a target of achieving net zero emissions (NZE) by 2060, which is the same as the national target. West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi noted that the goal is mandated by the West Sumatra Regional Long-Term and Medium-Term Plan (RJPMD). He added that the new and renewable energy (NRE) share of the province's total energy mix reached 30.59 percent in 2024, while the target for 2025 is 51.7 percent.

"In accordance with the national target, West Sumatra has been designated a Green Province," he said at the West Sumatra Electricity Investment Forum in Padang City, West Sumatra on Oct. 14, 2025.

He further stated that the current NRE power plant development in West Sumatra encompasses two natural resources, namely hydropower with 360 Megawatts (MW) and geothermal power with 86 MW. The province's has realized 50 percent of its 720 MW hydropower potential. In comparison, West Sumatra has around 200 percent of geothermal power expansion potential with 258 MW of projected geothermal capacity.

"If hydropower and geothermal energy are developed, the potential for a 120 percent increase in the electricity sector portion of West Sumatra's GDP (gross domestic product) will be achieved," he claimed.

In the meantimg, Indonesian Electricity Society (MKI) Chair Evy Haryadi stated that the West Sumatra Electricity Investment Forum is believed to be able to provide solutions for green energy development in the Minangkabau region. In addition to NRE investors in West Sumatra sharing their experiences, regions with green energy potential could also provide advice and input regarding challenges in developing NRE potential.

"The advantages of green energy can generate new economic potential for West Sumatra. The local government also needs to consider innovations to facilitate investment," he explained.

Evy added that West Sumatra has the opportunity to develop its green energy potential, as many developers or investors are starting to look at the needs of downstream factories that attained a green energy label.