Denpasar, February 21, 2024 – Following its declaration in August 2023, the Bali Provincial Government has formulated and executed strategies to pursue Bali’s target of achieving net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2045 and to actualize Nusa Penida as a location powered entirely by renewable energy by 2030. Collaborating with non-governmental partners in the Bali Net Zero Emission Coalition (comprising the Institute for Essential Services Reform, WRI Indonesia, New Energy Nexus Indonesia, and CAST Foundation), a series of initiatives supporting Bali’s NZE 2045 goal have been underway, including the formulation of the Bali NZE 2045 roadmap and the Sustainable Energy Bali public campaign conducted last November 2023.

In the development of the Bali NZE 2045 roadmap, the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) conducted an analysis focusing on Nusa Penida’s transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030, effectively transforming it into a renewable energy-based island.

Nusa Penida was selected for this initiative due to three primary factors: its abundant renewable energy potential, its geographical separation from mainland Bali, and the economic opportunities presented by the development of green tourism. Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director of IESR, highlighted the significant potential for Nusa Penida to serve as a pilot island for renewable energy and even to supply energy to the rest of Bali. Furthermore, the adoption of renewable energy is expected to enhance Nusa Penida’s appeal to tourists, consequently bolstering the local economy.

“In the IESR study conducted for Nusa Penida, an increase in renewable energy generation would result in lower electricity production costs compared to diesel-powered plants. Presently, the production cost using Diesel Power Plants (PLTD) alone can reach Rp 4.5 thousand/kWh. With 100 percent renewable energy, the production cost can decrease by 30-40 percent,” stated Fabby during the Media Gathering event “100 Percent Renewable Energy in Nusa Penida,” organized by IESR.

Additionally, Fabby disclosed that the initial study for Nusa Penida’s transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 is underway and is scheduled for launch on March 6, 2024. This marks the first step in testing the concept and conducting electricity system planning. Achieving Nusa Penida’s 100 percent renewable energy target by 2030 necessitates support from various stakeholders, including governmental bodies at both central and regional levels, development and non-governmental partners, the private sector, and the community.

According to analyses conducted by IESR and Udayana’s Center of Excellence for Community-Based Renewable Energy (CORE), Nusa Penida boasts a renewable energy potential exceeding 3,219 MW, comprising 3,200 MW of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PLTS), 11 MW of rooftop solar PV, and 8 MW of biomass, excluding wind energy, ocean currents, and biodiesel potentials. Moreover, to address the variability of renewable energy availability influenced by weather conditions, Nusa Penida exhibits potential for pumped hydroelectric storage (PHES) of up to 22.7 MW. The analysis also underscores the necessity of energy storage systems such as battery energy storage systems (BESS).

IESR’s modeling results indicate that achieving 100 percent renewable energy in Nusa Penida by 2030 primarily relies on solar photovoltaic systems due to their cost-effectiveness and abundance. Alvin Putra Sisdwinugraha, IESR’s Analyst for Electricity Systems and Renewable Energy, asserted the technical feasibility of a 100 percent renewable energy electricity system for Nusa Penida, capable of generating electricity at lower costs compared to diesel plants. Currently, the roadmap is undergoing finalization following input from various stakeholders.

“The initial phase towards achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 involves transitioning to a diesel daytime-off system, maximizing the utilization of solar and BESS systems during daylight hours,” explained Alvin. “Simultaneously, further studies on alternative energy sources such as biomass production, biodiesel, ocean currents, and wind are necessary. This will enable the harnessing of these potentials to phase out diesel usage by 2030,” Alvin concluded.