Canadian and Indonesian Experts Explore Pathways for Grid Modernization and Energy Transition
On September 25, 2026, the Waterloo Climate Institute and the Flood Impacts, Carbon Pricing and Ecosystem Sustainability (FINCAPES) project co-hosted a panel discussion examining the opportunities and challenges associated with modernizing Indonesia’s electricity system and financing the country’s energy transition. The event titled, Grid Modernization and Financing Indonesia’s Energy Transition: Lessons from Canada, was part of a Canada-wide study visit organized by the FINCAPES project at the University of Waterloo and the Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center in Indonesia. The study visit brought Indonesian government, academic, and industry representatives together with Canadian researchers and decision-makers to examine leading practices in climate finance, energy transition, and sustainability governance.
Held in Needles Hall, the panel discussion explored Canadian and Indonesian perspectives related to how policy, technology, investment, and financing can support the development of a modern, reliable, and sustainable electricity system.
Moderated by Armughan Al-Haq from the University of Waterloo’s Office of Research, the discussion featured three distinguished panelists whose expertise spans engineering, public policy, energy systems, and climate finance. From the University of Waterloo, panelists included Dr. Jessie Ma, Assistant Professor in Systems Design Engineering and Ontario Research Chair in Future Energy Systems, and Dr. Jatin Nathwani, Professor Emeritus and founding Executive Director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE). Joining the panel from Indonesia was Dr. Inka B. Yusgiantoro, Head of the Supervisory Board at the Purnomo Yusgiantoro Center and advisor to Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority.
Dr. Ma, shared insights on the technical and operational challenges associated with integrating emerging energy technologies into modern electricity grids. Dr. Nathwani highlighted the importance of long-term policy frameworks, energy security, and strategic investment in enabling successful energy transitions. Dr. Yusgiantoro discussed the evolving role of climate finance and institutional innovation in supporting Indonesia’s energy goals.
Panelists Dr. Jessie Ma, Dr. Jatin Nathwani and Dr. Inka B. Yusgiantoro discuss opportunities for grid modernization and financing Indonesia’s energy transition during a September 25 event at the University of Waterloo. The panel was moderated by Armughan Al-Haq from the University of Waterloo’s Office of Research.
The conversation focused on a challenge many countries face: how to balance growing electricity demand, economic development, and energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country and one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, faces significant opportunities and challenges in expanding renewable energy and modernizing grid infrastructure to support its long-term sustainability objectives.
Panelists explored lessons that can be drawn from the Canadian experience, including the role that research institutions, public-private partnerships, regulatory frameworks, and innovation ecosystems can play in accelerating energy-system transformation. They also discussed the importance of attracting investment capital, supporting emerging technologies, and building institutional capacity to manage increasingly complex electricity systems.
For participants, the panel provided an opportunity to connect technical expertise with policy and finance considerations, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in addressing global climate and energy challenges. As countries around the world work toward more sustainable and resilient energy futures, the discussion highlighted the value of knowledge exchange between Canada and Indonesia in shaping solutions that are both ambitious and practical.
The Flood Impacts, Carbon Pricing and Ecosystem Sustainability (FINCAPES) project is funded by Global Affairs Canada.