- How Power Plants Work and Why It Matters
- The Climate Cost of “Cheap” Electricity
- The Promise and Challenges of Renewable Energy
Electricity has long been heralded as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, heating, and industry. As nations transition toward a more electrified future in hopes of achieving climate goals, there’s an underlying assumption: that electricity is inherently clean.
However, this assumption masks a significant problem, much of the world’s electricity still comes from coal-fired power plants, which are among the dirtiest sources of energy in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. This reliance poses a serious challenge to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
How Power Plants Work and Why It Matters
To understand the environmental impact of electricity, it’s important to understand how a typical power plant works. Conventional coal-fired power plants operate on the principle of converting chemical energy in coal into thermal energy. Coal is burned to heat water in a boiler, producing steam.
This steam spins a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. The process is efficient in terms of electricity output but deeply flawed environmentally. The burning of coal releases large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major greenhouse gas.
It also emits sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), mercury, and particulate matter, all of which pose serious threats to public health and the environment. Coal power generation remains a significant contributor to Indonesia’s energy mix, resulting in considerable CO₂ emissions despite the country’s renewable energy potential.
The Climate Cost of “Cheap” Electricity
Coal remains the dominant fuel in many countries because it is perceived as cheap and abundant. However, the real cost of coal-based electricity is hidden in its externalities could damages to health, ecosystems, and climate. According to the study coal-fired power plants have high lifecycle emissions and require significant water use, land, and infrastructure that lock in carbon, intensive systems for decades .
The hidden climate cost is immense. Coal accounts for roughly 40% of global electricity generation but contributes more than 70% of power sector emissions. These emissions not only exacerbate climate change but also undermine national commitments to reduce carbon output under international agreements like the Paris Accord.
Read more:
The Paris Agreement: This Is Why Earth Is in Grave Danger
The Promise and Challenges of Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal provide a viable path toward cleaner electricity. Unlike coal, these sources emit little to no greenhouse gases during operation. Technological advancements and policy incentives have significantly reduced the cost of solar and wind energy over the last decade. In some regions, renewables are now cheaper than coal.
Read more:
Overview of Greenhouse Gases
However, challenges remain. Intermittency, high initial capital costs, and lack of infrastructure (especially in developing countries) continue to hinder widespread adoption. Integration into the national grid requires investment in smart technologies, storage solutions, and regulatory reforms. Still, the transition is possible. Countries like Indonesia can reduce emissions substantially by integrating renewable energy with energy efficiency measures and phased coal retirement plans.
Additionally, co-benefits such as job creation, air quality improvement, and energy independence offer compelling reasons to make the switch. The transition to clean energy is a journey full of challenges and opportunities. For those who want to understand more deeply or find the right direction to take steps, online consultation services with experts can be a meaningful start. Please explore further and find solutions that suit your needs.
Author : Ainur Subhan
Editor : Sabilla Reza
Referensi:
Alirsyad, M. I., Halog, A., Nepal, R., & Mangan, M. (2019). Greenhouse gas emissions and household preferences for electricity generation source: An analysis of consumer choice in Indonesia. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 101, 353–362. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.11.021
Nugroho, H. A., Budi, A. C., Indrawan, Y., & Huda, M. K. (2024). Transitioning from coal to renewable energy in Indonesia: Evaluation of socio-economic and environmental trade-offs. Jurnal Rekayasa dan Manajemen Sistem Industri, 13(2), 113–125.
Tjahjono, B., Dewi, N. P., & Soerawidjaja, T. H. (2023). Assessment of coal-fired power plant sustainability using a multi-criteria approach in Indonesia. Sustainability, 15(23), 2342. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15232342
Al Irsyad, M. I., Halog, A., Nepal, R., & Ayu, I. G. A. G. (2017). A life cycle perspective on the environmental impacts of renewable and non-renewable electricity generation in Indonesia. Energy, 134, 301–311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.06.073