Afriza is driven by a deep passion for advancing the clean energy transition through innovation and research. As a Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Program Analyst at the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), she focuses on accelerating Indonesia’s shift toward a low-carbon energy future. Her work explores how renewable energy and advanced storage technologies can deliver solutions that are not only technically and economically viable, but also socially equitable and environmentally sustainable.

Afriza holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Diponegoro University, where she graduated with GPA of 4.00/4.00, and a Master of Energy Systems from the University of Melbourne, graduating with First Class Honours. Combining strong technical expertise with a systems-level understanding of energy policy, business, and finance, she brings a holistic perspective to designing energy solutions that balance innovation, equity, and sustainability.

Afriza’s career bridges engineering research, policy development, and sustainability consulting. Prior to joining IESR, she contributed to Australia’s clean energy transition as an Associate at Breschna Renewables in Melbourne. In this role, she conducted market forecasting of long-duration energy storage (LDES) in the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM). Her work involved techno-economic analysis, policy recommendation, and deployment strategies for commercial-scale LDES integration, supporting the decarbonization of Australia’s energy system.

Earlier in her career, Afriza served as an Environmental Specialist at PT Kita Bumi Global, where she contributed to projects funded by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the ASEAN Vinyl Council Association. She assessed the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems for plastics and conducted material flow analyses on post-consumer PVC recycling in Indonesia. These experiences strengthened her expertise in circular economy practices and deepened her understanding of how policy, technology, and behavioral change intersect in shaping sustainable resource management.

Afriza’s research interests span sustainable energy technologies, advanced materials, and environmental innovation. She has authored and co-authored 17 scientific publications indexed by Scopus, covering topics such as lithium-ion battery recycling, slow-release fertilizers, wastewater treatment, and silica-based adsorbents for gas separation. She has also published four books focusing on sustainability topics including circular economy implementations and poetic expressions. In addition to her publications, Afriza has received over 20 national and international awards, research grants, and recognized speaker at 70+ seminars and 11 international conferences.

Guided by curiosity and a sense of purpose, Afriza continues to integrate engineering, policy, and social insight to help shape a cleaner and fairer energy future. She believes that the success of the energy transition lies not only in technological advancement, but in ensuring that progress benefits communities, supports equitable development, and safeguards the planet for generations to come.