US funds Indonesian renewable energy project

US to provide US$332.5 million program to promote RE and economic development.

The US and Indonesia have launched the “Green Prosperity Project" that will be open for proposals from businesses, NGOs and the government for projects in the renewable energy (RE) sector.

The Green Prosperity Project is a program funded under the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an agency of the US government that plans to provide a total of $600 million in grants over five years.

US Ambassador Scot Marciel said the project could also support Indonesia’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Indonesia has a huge potential for geothermal energy production more than any other country in the world,” said Marciel.

Marciel said that cooperation on environmental issues was an important part of US-Indonesia ties. As the world’s third and fourth most populous nations, the US and Indonesia were big emitters of greenhouse gasses.

“We have to do it together. The US and Indonesia both have a big responsibility because we both are huge powers when it comes to the environment,” he said.