Archives September 2025

Fossil fuels remain the leading energy source today. While they play an important role, they also bring a serious problem: pollution.

The impact isn’t just on health; it extends to the economy as well. Let’s explore how fossil fuel use causes pollution and what the best solutions are.

What is Pollution?

Pollution is the release of harmful substances that disrupts nature’s balance. Burning fossil fuels like coal and petroleum is one of the main causes of pollution.

Processing coal and petroleum releases carbon dioxide, a gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, causing the greenhouse effect.

The rising concentration of carbon dioxide accelerates global warming and extreme climate change.

In addition, fossil fuel use often causes other environmental issues, such as oil spills that damage marine ecosystems.

Read More: What is Decarbonization and Why is It Important?

5 Types of Pollution from Fossil Fuels

Burning coal and petroleum can trigger several kinds of pollution. Here are the main types:

1. Air Pollution

Fossil fuel combustion releases various pollutants into the air, including:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)
• Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• Fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOC)

Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas driving global warming, while SO₂ and NOx contribute to acid rain and smog formation.

PM2.5 particles are especially dangerous because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart and lung disease.

Read More: The Harmful Impact of Air Pollution on Health and the Environment

2. Water Pollution

The fossil fuel industry can contaminate water through oil spills, production waste, and acid rain caused by SO₂ and NOx. Acid rain increases the acidity of lakes and rivers, killing aquatic life and damaging ecosystems.

3. Soil Pollution

Soil pollution doesn’t only come from acid rain but also from oil leaks, drilling waste, and coal combustion residue like fly ash. This contamination reduces soil fertility and disrupts plant growth.

4. Noise Pollution

Drilling, mining operations, and fuel transportation all generate noise pollution. For wildlife, noise can interfere with communication, migration, and reproduction. For humans, excessive noise can cause stress, sleep disturbances, and other health issues.

5. Thermal Pollution

Fossil-fuel power plants use water to cool machinery. This water is then discharged back into natural water bodies at higher temperatures.

Thermal pollution reduces dissolved oxygen levels and disrupts aquatic ecosystems, potentially leading to massive fish deaths.

Read More: The Advantages of Alternative Energy Over Fossil Fuels

What Are the Impacts of Fossil Fuel Pollution?

The use of fossil energy not only causes environmental degradation but also poses serious threats to human health and global economic stability.

According to 2020 Greenpeace data, air pollution from fossil fuels is estimated to cause 4.5 million premature deaths annually. Approximately 3 million deaths are caused by fine particulate matter, 1 million by ozone, and more than 500,000 by nitrogen dioxide. Children are the most vulnerable group, with approximately 40,000 children dying before the age of five and 2 million premature births occurring annually.

The same report noted that pollution from fossil fuels causes economic losses of up to US$2.9 trillion annually, including healthcare costs, lost productivity due to 1.8 billion lost workdays, and losses from climate disasters. Geographically, the countries with the greatest burden are China (US$900 billion annually), the United States (US$600 billion), and India (US$150 billion).

These facts confirm that pollution from fossil fuels is not only an environmental threat, but also a public health crisis and an obstacle to sustainable economic development.

Read More: The Most Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Petroleum!

LNG: A Cleaner Fuel Alternative  

Burning coal and oil has significant environmental consequences. That’s why we need cleaner energy alternatives, such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).

LNG is natural gas cooled into liquid form, making it easier to store and transport over long distances.

Compared to coal and oil, LNG produces lower carbon dioxide emissions and almost no sulfur dioxide or particulates, which are major causes of pollution.

For these reasons, LNG is considered a transition fuel toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.

References:

• Client Earth. Accessed 2025. Fossil Fuels and Climate Change: The Facts
• EESI. Accessed 2025. Climate, Environmental, and Health Impacts of Fossil Fuels
• EPA. Accessed 2025. Sources and Solutions: Fossil Fuels
• Greenpeace. Accessed in 2025. Toxic Air: The Price of Fossil Fuels

The growing energy demand has pushed us to look for sustainable alternative sources. One of the best options for the future is shifting to New and Renewable Energy (NRE).

This energy source has the potential to replace fossil fuels and is considered far cleaner in terms of emissions. But is it ready to become the main energy source today? Let’s find out.

What Is NRE (New and Renewable Energy)?

NRE refers to energy sources derived from nature or technology that can be utilized sustainably.

These energy sources are more environmentally friendly and serve as an alternative to fossil fuels.

In short, NRE consists of two categories:

• New Energy: Energy produced using advanced technologies, such as nuclear energy and hydrogen.
• Renewable Energy: Energy from natural resources that are replenished naturally and sustainably.

The key advantage of renewable energy is its abundance and relatively low environmental impact, making it a solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the global energy crisis.

Here are some examples of renewable energy:

• Solar Energy: Harnessing sunlight to generate electricity or heat.
• Wind Energy: Using wind power to turn turbines.
• Hydropower: Utilizing water flow from rivers or dams to generate electricity.
• Biomass: Derived from organic materials such as agricultural waste or organic trash.
• Geothermal Energy: Using heat from within the earth to generate power.
• Ocean Energy: Harnessing waves, tides, or currents to produce energy.

With proper utilization, NRE has huge potential to support the clean energy transition and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Read More: Why Alternative Energy Sources Are Crucial for Our Future!

What Are the Benefits of New and Renewable Energy?

Adopting new and renewable energy brings numerous benefits—environmental, economic, and energy independence. Here are the main advantages:

Eco-Friendly

Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower produce far fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels.

By reducing coal and oil consumption, we can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, the leading cause of climate change and air pollution. This means cleaner air, better human health, and preserved ecosystems.

Read More: The Truth About Biogas, Eco-Friendly Solution or New Problem?

Unlimited Energy Supply

One of the biggest advantages of renewable energy is its unlimited and sustainable nature. Resources like sunlight, wind, and water are always available and can be used continuously without the fear of depletion.

This stands in stark contrast to fossil fuels, which are finite and rapidly depleting. Investing in renewables is also safer in the long run because it doesn’t rely on fluctuating oil prices.

Boosts Energy Independence

Developing renewable energy domestically reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels. This not only minimizes risks from global price volatility but also improves economic stability.

Moreover, NRE development creates new jobs in green technology, construction, and infrastructure maintenance, supporting sustainable economic growth.

Read More: Factors Driving Increased Electricity Demand in the Modern Era

Challenges in Implementing NRE

Indonesia has enormous potential for developing new and renewable energy, but its adoption still faces various challenges. Here are the main obstacles:

Limited Infrastructure

Developing NRE requires adequate infrastructure, such as reliable transmission and distribution networks.

Currently, many solar power plants and wind power plants are located in remote areas far from electricity load centers. Examples include:

• A solar power plant in Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
• The Sidrap wind power plant is located in Sidenreng Rappang Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
• The Jeneponto wind power plant in South Sulawesi, situated in a coastal area far from industrial hubs.

As a result, the energy produced is difficult to distribute efficiently.

Without network upgrades and supporting technology, Indonesia’s abundant NRE potential cannot be fully optimized, slowing down energy transition and energy security efforts.

Read More: 5 Signs of Global Warming Getting Worse

High Upfront Investment

Building renewable energy plants is still relatively expensive compared to fossil-fuel-based plants.

Although operational costs are lower in the long run, the large initial investment discourages many investors.

There are also issues with non-competitive electricity pricing and complex permitting processes, which further hinder NRE development.

Intermittent Supply

Each type of renewable energy has supply characteristics that are influenced by natural conditions, resulting in challenges related to intermittency or instability in electricity supply. For example:

• Solar energy is only available when the sun is shining, so its production decreases at night or during cloudy weather. 
• Wind energy depends on wind speed and consistency. 
• Hydropower remains vulnerable to fluctuations in water flow due to dry seasons, flooding, or climate change. 
• Biomass energy relies heavily on the availability of organic feedstock and efficient logistics for material collection. 
• Geothermal energy is limited to locations with geothermal potential. 
• Marine energy, such as wave and tidal power, depends on lunar cycles and extreme weather conditions. 

This dependency causes renewable energy supply to be variable and not yet fully reliable as a sole energy source.

To address intermittency, supporting technologies such as energy storage systems, smart grids, and digitalization of the electricity system are required.

Read More: The Complete Process of Global Warming, From Start to Impact

LNG: A Stable and Efficient Transition Fuel

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas cooled to around -162°C, making it easier to store and transport to different locations.

One of LNG’s key advantages is supply stability. Unlike solar or wind energy, which depend on weather and are intermittent, LNG can provide consistent energy 24/7.

This makes LNG a reliable source to meet basic energy needs, especially in countries transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables.

Compared to coal, LNG produces significantly lower emissions, making it a cleaner alternative for power generation. This is why LNG is often seen as a transitional energy source toward a greener system.

With its stable supply and efficient transport, LNG remains one of the best options to support the current energy transition.

References:

• Kemhan. Accessed 2025. New and Renewable Energy
• ESDM. Accessed 2025. Government Confident of Achieving 23% NRE Target by 2025
• EIA. Accessed 2025. Renewable Energy Explained

As a tropical country, Indonesia has abundant renewable energy potential, especially solar energy. This energy source is considered more environmentally friendly compared to coal and petroleum because it doesn’t produce greenhouse gas emissions.

But is solar energy ready to replace fossil fuels as the primary energy source? Let’s explore the facts and the challenges in transitioning to clean energy.

What Is Solar Energy?

Solar energy comes from the sun’s radiation in the form of light and heat. It’s one of the most abundant renewable energy sources on Earth.

One of its biggest advantages is that it’s renewable and eco-friendly. As long as the sun shines, this energy source will never run out.

Using solar energy also produces zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making it a key solution in the fight against climate change.

Read More: 5 Benefits of Solar Energy You Won’t Get from Fossil Fuels

How to Convert Solar Energy into Electricity?

To harness sunlight and turn it into electricity, there are a few principles you need to understand and some components that need to be in place.

How Solar Panels Work

Solar panels operate based on the photovoltaic effect, where sunlight energy is absorbed by semiconductor materials, resulting in the release of electrons.

When photons from sunlight strike the surface of a solar cell, their energy disrupts the position of electrons within the semiconductor atoms, allowing the electrons to move freely and generate direct current (DC) electricity.

This is the fundamental principle behind the conversion of solar energy into electricity used in solar panel technology.

Key Components of a Solar Power System

A typical solar power system consists of:

• Solar Panels: Capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity.
• Inverter: Converts DC electricity into AC so it’s compatible with household appliances.
• Battery: Used in off-grid or hybrid systems to store excess energy for use at night or during cloudy weather.
• Distribution System: Delivers electricity to your devices.

With these components, solar energy can effectively power homes and businesses while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Read More: The Most Harmful Effects of Air Pollution on Health and the Environment

Challenges in Implementing Solar Energy

Although Indonesia has huge potential for solar power, there are still some challenges, including:

Dependence on Weather and Location

Solar energy heavily relies on sunlight. Power generation completely stops at night, and during cloudy weather, output can drop by 10–25% from its normal capacity.

Geographic location also matters. While Indonesia generally enjoys good sunlight exposure, areas with heavy rainfall or long rainy seasons may see reduced energy production.

High Upfront Costs

The installation of solar power systems, including panels, inverters, batteries, and labor, remains a major barrier.

Although the cost of solar panels has dropped significantly over the past decade, the initial investment is still relatively high. Many people also worry about the long payback period.

Limited Energy Storage

To ensure a stable supply at night or during bad weather, energy storage is essential. However, battery technology is still expensive, has limited capacity, and a relatively short lifespan.

This makes the overall cost of solar systems even higher, adding financial pressure for consumers.

Read More: Why Cutting Carbon Emissions Is Crucial for Earth’s Future

Is Solar Energy Ready to Replace Fossil Fuels?

Solar energy is often seen as a top candidate to replace fossil fuels. In terms of availability and environmental impact, it’s clearly superior, renewable and emission-free during use.

However, a complete switch from fossil fuels to solar energy is not easy and won’t happen overnight.

One major challenge is supply stability. Solar power still can’t fully replace fossil fuels because the infrastructure and distribution networks aren’t fully ready yet. Unlike fossil fuels, which can be used anytime, solar energy depends on sunlight.

Furthermore, the sheer scale of global energy demand presents another significant obstacle. Fossil fuel infrastructure is already well-established and widely accessible.

Read More: Cheap but Risky! The Pros and Cons of Coal Energy

LNG: A More Ready Alternative for Now

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is natural gas cooled into liquid form for easier storage and transportation.

As an alternative energy source, LNG is currently more ready than renewables like solar. The global LNG supply network is already well-developed, with terminals in various countries and a fleet of tanker ships.

Its main advantage is transportation flexibility. LNG can be shipped anywhere, unlike solar energy, which depends on specific geographic conditions.

From an infrastructure and distribution standpoint, LNG can replace fossil fuels like coal and oil, making it a strategic transition fuel.

Compared to coal, LNG produces 40–50% less carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions when burned, helping reduce emissions in the short term.

Not only does it provide a stable power supply, but LNG is also considered a cleaner energy source

References:

• ESDM. Accessed 2025. Solar Power Plants in Indonesia
• NREL. Accessed 2025. Solar Energy Basics
• IRENA. Accessed 2025. Solar PV Supply Chains: Technical and ESG Standards for Market Integration