Indonesia is the next big energy efficiency sector with a potential market worth $4 billion, according to the Asian Development Bank.

The bank gave the figure in a recent conference in Jakarta, culled from estimates of the market size for refurbishments and improvements for commercial buildings and industrial facilities that will make them more energy efficient.

“Indonesia’s energy sector is a vast green field of investment opportunities that awaits the participation of the domestic and international banking as well as industrial sectors,” said Antony Jude, the bank’s Southeast Asia director for the energy and water division.

“Energy efficiency investments … reap significant returns.”

Examples of potential projects include retrofitting electrical systems and improving the efficiency of air-conditioning systems, lighting and waste heat recovery.

The conference which zoomed in specifically on energy efficiency solutions for Indonesia brought together representatives of commercial banks and major industries and government officials.

Discussions aimed at forming partnerships between commercial banks, equipment suppliers and energy service companies that are expected to promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability at the same time.

The conference was hosted by the development bank along with the Indonesian Electrical Power Society and the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce.

-   Patricia Garcia