REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President of Indonesia Petroleum Association (IPA) Ronald Gunawan said oil and gas will still be the energy backbone of the world for the next 30 years. The World Energy Outlook 2017 issued by the International Energy Agency (IEA), said oil and gas will remain dominant accounting for more than 50 percent of the world's main energy source in the next 20-30 years, Ronald said.
"In Indonesia, based on the National Energy General Plan (RUEN) as stipulated in the Presidential Regulation No 22 of 2017, oil and gas would contribute 44 percent to the country's total energy consumption in 2050, he said at the IPA Convention and Exhibition here on Wednesday.
"From this data we could draw a conclusion that oil and gas will remain the country's energy backbone for the next 20-30 years," he said.
He said Indonesia, which has become a net importer of oil since 2002, is predicted to be a net importer for gas in 2022 based on the present rate of production and consumption.
In order to cope with the problem, large investment would be needed for explorations to find new oil and gas reserves, he said, adding, "This is a big challenge as explorations for new oil and gas reserves have shifted to frontier areas and deep seas that would need expensive and high technology."
Meanwhile competition is tight to attract investors in oil and gas sector , therefore, Indonesia needs to improve its global competitiveness.
This year IPA convention would have new special session on technology called Technology Session.
Topic of discussions include Governments on Innovation of New Technology Improvement, Impact of Digital Internet of Things In the Upstream Oil and Gas, New Business Model in Gross Split System, and Technology for Decommissioning.
The convention is attended by more than 1,700 participants, and the exhibition has 118 participants representing various companies, representatives of governmentand domestic and foreign associations, with visitors estimated to reach more than 21,000 people.
The 42nd IPA Convention and Exhibition 2018 was opened today by President Joko Widodo. The ceremony was attended by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, and Energy and Mineral Resources Minister lgnasius Jonan.