Bali’s Governor Initiates Rooftop Solar Power Utilization for Energy Independence
Denpasar, May 15, 2025 – Today, Governor I Wayan Koster of Bali officially unveiled the Acceleration of Rooftop Solar Power Utilization, a key initiative aimed at achieving energy independence for the island. The Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) has expressed its support for this forward-thinking program, viewing it as a significant step towards enhancing energy autonomy through local resources. This initiative also aligns with the broader goal of transitioning to a clean energy framework and fostering sustainable development, contributing to Bali’s Net Zero Emission (NZE) target set for 2045, which was announced in collaboration with IESR in July 2023. Bali boasts a remarkable solar energy potential estimated at 22 GW, with the potential for Rooftop Solar Power reaching between 3.3 and 10.9 GW. Despite this, current utilization remains minimal, accounting for less than 1% of the total potential. Furthermore, Bali relies heavily on fossil fuels, including a 400 MW dependence on the Java-Bali submarine cable, highlighting the fragility of the existing energy infrastructure. Rooftop solar technology is recognized as a swift and adaptable solution that suits Bali’s unique geography and socio-economic landscape, enhancing energy supply security on the island.
Governor’s Directive for Rooftop Solar Power Implementation
On Thursday, May 15, Governor Wayan Koster instructed the rapid deployment of Rooftop Solar Power Systems (PLTS), particularly within government buildings, public facilities, and the commercial sector across Bali. This initiative is one of three strategic directions outlined by the Governor to advance Bali’s Energy Independence through clean energy solutions. “All provincial, district, and city government offices must implement Rooftop PLTS. Additionally, all hotels, villas, schools, campuses, and markets are included in this directive,” emphasized Koster.
Renewable Energy Mix and Commitment to Bali’s NZE 2045
Ida Bagus Setiawan, head of the Bali Province Manpower and Energy and Mineral Resources Agency, highlighted that this initiative will significantly boost the renewable energy mix in Bali, reinforcing the commitment to achieve the Bali Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2045 goals. “A large-scale push for Rooftop Solar Power utilization will lead to substantial increases in renewable energy contributions. This isn’t merely an aspiration, but a tangible objective that we can realistically accomplish,” Setiawan stated.
Large-Scale Rooftop Solar Power Plants as a Solution
Fabby Tumiwa, the Executive Director of IESR, noted that establishing large-scale distributed power facilities, such as Rooftop Solar Power Plants paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS), represents a cost-effective strategy to bolster electricity supply on Bali. This method enhances energy security and mitigates the risk of power disruptions stemming from the interconnection cables supplying 25 to 30 percent of Bali’s electricity. “Rooftop Solar Power Plants combined with BESS can effectively address the surge in electricity demand following the pandemic and alleviate the pressure on PLN to expand new energy supplies,” Tumiwa added.
Supporting Bali’s Commitment to Net Zero Emissions
The implementation of Rooftop Solar Power Plants not only aids in achieving energy independence for Bali but also fortifies the island’s commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2045. Various studies conducted by IESR in collaboration with CORE Udayana University, including the Nusa Penida 100% Renewable Energy 2030 initiative and the Bali NZE Roadmap 2045, identify Rooftop Solar Power as crucial for enhancing the renewable energy mix, particularly in the building sector. The widespread adoption of these solar systems promises not only to lower electricity costs but also to generate new green job opportunities and promote community engagement in the energy transition.
Strategic Management and Sustainable Energy Development
Professor Ida Ayu Dwi Giriantari, Chair of CORE Udayana University (UNUD), stressed that Bali cannot indefinitely expand conventional power plants without a strategic approach. If power plants continue to be added without careful planning, the space for new developments will eventually become limited. Therefore, managing demand effectively is essential. “Utilizing Rooftop Solar Power Plants and establishing distributed solar power systems is not only a more efficient use of space but also a greener solution. This rationale drives the acceleration program for Rooftop Solar Power, ensuring that the development of clean energy meets current needs and supports the goal of Bali attaining Net Zero Emission by 2045,” Professor Ida explained.
Recommendations for Government Support and Regulation Revision
IESR advises the government to back this initiative and amend ESDM Regulation No. 2/2024, which governs Rooftop Solar Power Plants. The recommendations include eliminating the quota system and reinstating the net-metering scheme, as well as opening the door for Rooftop Solar Power Plants with BESS for industrial and commercial properties. Such revisions would broaden opportunities for electricity consumers both in Bali and across Indonesia to install Rooftop Solar Power as distributed energy sources, thereby enhancing energy security nationwide.
Bali’s Transition to a Community-Based Energy Model
As a cultural and tourism hub in Indonesia, Bali has the potential to set a precedent for a just and community-driven energy transition. Rooftop solar installations symbolize not only a technical solution but also a manifestation of citizen involvement in environmental preservation. To facilitate this, IESR advocates for strengthened collaboration among local governments, PLN, educational institutions, communities, businesses, and civil society organizations. Accelerating the adoption of Rooftop solar technology will be pivotal in transforming Bali Mandiri Energi from a mere government initiative into a collective movement among all Balinese citizens, steering the island towards a clean, resilient, and sustainable future and inspiring Indonesia to achieve energy system decarbonization by 2060 or sooner.
