Wed Sep 25 08:41:19 UTC 2024: ## Indonesia Misses Deadline for Coal Plant Closure, Jeopardizing Climate Goals
**Jakarta, Indonesia** – Indonesia has missed the deadline to agree on an early closure of the Cirebon-1 coal-fired power plant, jeopardizing a key commitment to phasing out fossil fuels. The plant, originally scheduled to shut down in 2042, was expected to close in 2035 under a non-binding agreement made at the COP28 summit in Dubai.
The delay comes as Indonesia grapples with the higher costs of replacing coal power with renewable energy. The country is also awaiting significant funding pledged by developed nations to support its transition away from coal.
This setback raises concerns about the effectiveness of global efforts to combat climate change. Earlier this year, G7 nations committed to phasing out unabated coal power by the mid-2030s, and the delay in Indonesia highlights the challenges of meeting these targets.
Indonesia’s new government, set to take office next month, will have to navigate the complex issue of balancing energy security with environmental commitments.
**Key points:**
* The Cirebon-1 coal-fired power plant in Indonesia was expected to be retired in 2035 under the Energy Transition Mechanism (ETM) program of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
* The deadline for agreeing to this shortened lifespan passed in July 2024 without a deal being signed.
* Indonesia is concerned about the higher costs of replacing coal power with renewables and is awaiting promised funding from developed nations.
* The delay raises concerns about the effectiveness of global efforts to combat climate change.
First Piper 