Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, made headlines once again with his speech at the World Water Forum in Indonesia. Fresh off the heels of debuting SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service in the country, Musk took the stage in Bali to share his insights on tackling the global water crisis, an issue that affects billions.
Desalination: A Breakthrough Solution
Musk began by pointing out that our planet is predominantly covered in water—70 percent, to be precise. However, the challenge lies in making this abundant resource available for human consumption. He emphasized that recent advancements have significantly reduced the cost and increased the efficiency of water desalination processes. According to Musk, desalination and its subsequent transportation are critical in addressing the world’s water problems. This boils down to two main factors: energy and transport.
“The cost of desalination has the potential to fall dramatically, similar to how solar energy costs have plummeted in recent years,” Musk optimistically noted. His vision suggests a future where clean and accessible water might be as common as affordable solar energy—a prospect that could revolutionize resource management and sustainability practices worldwide.
Challenges in Water Transport
While the technological advancements in desalination are promising, Musk did not shy away from discussing the challenges related to water transportation. The key, he argues, is developing infrastructure and systems to deliver the desalinated water where it’s needed most. The transportation of water remains a daunting task, fraught with logistical and economic hurdles. However, Musk believes that with the right innovation and investment, these challenges are surmountable.
Investment in R&D
Musk also delved into the importance of continuous research and development (R&D) in the desalination sector. When questioned about the future of desalination research, he highlighted the necessity for ongoing improvements and innovations. According to Musk, this is not a static field; it requires sustained effort to keep moving forward and making desalination more accessible and affordable for everyone.
Starlink and Indonesia’s Future
Aside from his insights on the water crisis, Musk’s appearance in Indonesia also spotlighted the launch of Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service. Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet to even the most remote locations, bridging digital divides and enabling economic opportunities. Indonesian officials, including President Joko Widodo, have shown keen interest in Musk’s various ventures, from electric vehicles (EVs) to satellite internet.
During the Starlink launch presentation, Musk was asked about possibly bringing Tesla’s EV production to Indonesia. While he remained focused on Starlink for the time being, the potential for future collaborations was not ruled out. President Widodo, often referred to as “Jokowi,” has had several meetings with Musk over the years, demonstrating Indonesia’s interest in becoming a hub for Musk’s revolutionary projects, including EV production and nickel sourcing for batteries.
Possibilities for an EV Plant
Luhut Pandjaitan, Indonesia’s coordinating minister of investment, mentioned that the country has made an offer to Musk regarding the establishment of an EV battery plant. “We made an offer. Is it possible to build an EV battery plant here, precursor cathode. And he will consider it,” Pandjaitan disclosed in an interview with Reuters. This demonstrates Indonesia’s ambition to become a central player in the electric vehicle industry, potentially housing one of Tesla’s key manufacturing plants.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s visit to Indonesia and his participation in the World Water Forum have set the stage for exciting possibilities. From tackling the global water crisis with innovative desalination technologies to exploring the potential for EV production in Indonesia, Musk’s vision continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. As the world watches, one thing is clear: Elon Musk is not done making waves—both in the water and on land.