Jakarta – The journey towards net zero emission (NZE) in Bali is entering a new phase focusing on renewable energy in Nusa Penida. With a target of NZE by 2045, Bali Province and its strategic partners, including the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) and WRI Indonesia, are taking concrete steps with a plan to shift fossil energy to 100 per cent renewable energy in Nusa Penida by 2030.
Nusa Penida, an island south of Bali, also part of the Klungkung Regency, plays an essential role in Bali’s energy transition efforts. Despite being a popular tourist destination, Nusa Penida’s growth has led to a significant increase in energy demand.
Currently, energy on the island is mainly supplied by diesel and solar power plants with batteries. Still, the government, IESR and other partners are determined to transform the energy landscape to be more sustainable.
Echoing that commitment, I Dewa Gede Mahendra Putra, a senior official at the Bali Provincial Government, stated that the transition to renewable energy in Nusa Penida will be a cornerstone for green economic growth in the region and across Bali.
“The Bali government has always supported the development of a renewable energy ecosystem that provides a variety of opportunities, both green labour, improving the moral and spiritual values of the community, and supporting policies that support the NZE 2045 target,” said I Dewa Gede Mahendra Putra during the launch of the report and discussion ‘Nusa Penida Roadmap 100% Renewable Energy’, Wednesday, March 5.
According to IESR Executive Director Fabby Tumiwa, the renewable energy mix in Nusa Penida currently reaches 24 per cent, and it is a challenge to reach the 100 per cent target, which can be overcome with three stages of development. Among them are optimising rooftop solar power plants and utilising other renewable energy such as biodiesel and ocean currents.
To achieve a 100 per cent renewable energy mix by 2030, IESR and Udayana University’s Center of Excellence Community-Based Renewable Energy (CORE) have finalised the Nusa Penida 100 per cent renewable energy roadmap.
IESR’s Electricity System and Renewable Energy Analyst, Alvin Putra Sisdwinugraha, highlighted the vital role of rooftop solar power in increasing the renewable energy mix in Nusa Penida. “Rooftop solar PV can be an effective solution because it not only increases the renewable energy ratio but can also significantly reduce electricity production costs,” he explained.
To maintain consistency with regional and national development plans, as well as overcome challenges such as suboptimal regulations and limited investment, the Chairperson of CORE Udayana University, Ida Ayu Dwi Giriantari, emphasised the need for cooperation between the government and all parties involved.
Meanwhile, Economic and Development Assistant of Klungkung Regency Government, Luh Ketut Ari Citrawati added that the local government has prioritized sustainable tourism, including in the development of renewable energy in the region. With the steps taken, it is hoped that Nusa Penida will become a real example for efforts to achieve NZE in Bali. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: IESR Executive Director Fabby Tumiwa presents the Nusa Penida 100% Renewable Energy Roadmap Study to I Dewa Gede Mahendra Putra, Assistant 1 Government and Welfare of the Regional Secretary of Bali Province, at the launch of the ‘Nusa Penida 100% Renewable Energy Roadmap’ report and discussion, Wednesday, 5 March. (Source: IESR)
