Can this island famous for tourism become Indonesia’s first province fully powered by clean energy? Backed by ambitious plans, local commitment, and a clear roadmap, Bali wants to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, fifteen years earlier than the national target.
On August 4, 2023, the Bali Provincial Government supported by the Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) officially declared its commitment to Bali Net-Zero Emission 2045. This effort brought together the Bali Net Zero Emission Coalition made up of civil society groups and philanthropic institutions. It all aligns with Bali’s vision rooted in Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Bali, which focuses on preserving nature while reducing pollution of air, land, and water.
To back this vision, in 2023, IESR and the Bali government released the Nusa Penida Roadmap to Achieve 100 Percent Renewable Energy by 2030. Later, on July 15, 2025, they launched the Bali Net Zero Emission 2045 Electricity Sector Roadmap in Sanur. IESR’s analysis shows that Bali’s future electricity needs could be fully met by renewable sources.
Ida Bagus Setiawan, speaking on behalf of Governor Wayan Koster and serving as Head of the Department of Manpower and Energy and Mineral Resources, explained that Bali currently relies on around 1,500 MW of installed capacity producing about 1,400 MW of power. Economic growth and tourism have pushed peak loads up to around 1,200 MW. Demand is rising fast at seven to eight percent each year, leaving Bali vulnerable because reserves are below 30 percent, making power cuts more likely during maintenance or technical issues.
“As an island province that depends on external power, Bali faces serious energy security risks. Energy independence is essential, not just to keep power reliable but also to support key sectors like tourism and creative industries. This roadmap serves as a practical and targeted guide for Bali’s energy transition,” he said.
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Governor Koster hopes the roadmap will be an important reference to boost clean energy use and speed up Bali’s move toward energy independence.
Fabby Tumiwa, CEO of IESR, said Bali could be the first province in Indonesia to run fully on renewables fifteen years before the national goal. “With commitment, the right policy direction, and consistency, major changes could happen within five years,” he said. Fabby added, “A reliable and low-carbon power system would add value to Bali. Beyond being a top tourism destination, Bali’s transition could inspire other islands to transform. We encourage everyone from residents to local leaders to put clean energy at the heart of Bali’s green growth plans. The idea of ‘Bali Mandiri Energi’ through rooftop solar from Governor Koster should be supported and realized.”
Fabby also urged PLN as the electricity provider to align its plans with Bali’s renewable vision by speeding up new renewable projects, modernizing the grid, adopting smart grid technologies, investing in storage, and partnering with green energy developers. He asked for support from the national government and agencies including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Bappenas, and Danantara to help through policies, incentives, and funding.
IESR’s study points out that Bali’s current power system has a capacity of 1,461 MW, with 76 percent still coming from fossil fuels, mostly gas-fired plants at 688 MW and coal at 380 MW. Yet Bali has an estimated renewable potential of about 22.04 GW, mostly from solar at 21 GW, wind at 515 MW, and geothermal at 127 MW. Fully tapping this could meet Bali’s projected electricity needs of 44.71 TWh in 2045 using only renewables.
Alvin Putra Sisdwinugraha, IESR Renewable Energy and Power System Analyst, outlined four main phases to reach Bali’s target. From 2025 to 2029, Bali would add 1.5 GW of renewables including solar, biomass, mini-hydro, waste, and wind, cutting emissions by 2.8 million tons of CO₂ equivalent and needing USD 5.8 billion in investment.
Between 2030 and 2034, Bali plans to add 1.4 GW of renewables and 400 MWh of storage, needing around USD 1.7 billion. By 2035 to 2039, another 1.24 GW would be built, costing around USD 1.76 to 4.76 billion and cutting emissions by up to 9 million tons. Finally, from 2040 to 2045, Bali aims to add up to 17 GW of renewables and 54 GWh of storage, with investment estimated at USD 35 billion.
As Bali moves forward, this roadmap offers a realistic way to build a resilient, clean energy future that could lead the way for the rest of Indonesia.
