Bali: Launch rooftop solar power promotion program - Public buildings will be required to install solar panels

    To promote local energy usage and achieve energy independence, the island of Bali in Indonesia has officially launched a rooftop photovoltaic project, aiming to accelerate the deployment of distributed solar systems in government institutions, public facilities and commercial venues.

    Recently, the governor of Bali Province, I Wayan Koster, officially announced the launch of the "Socialization Initiative for Accelerating the Implementation of Rooftop Photovoltaic Power Stations in Bali Province". He stated: "All provincial, municipal and county government institutions must adopt rooftop photovoltaic systems. Additionally, all hotels, villas, schools, universities and markets must install them as well."

    This plan is a key component of Bali Province's "Net Zero Emissions by 2045" goal, which was jointly initiated by the Bali Provincial Government and the Indonesian Energy Policy Think Tank - the Institute for Basic Service Reform (IESR) in July 2023.

    According to the assessment by IESR, the total potential for photovoltaic power generation in Bali amounts to as much as 22 GW. Among this, the potential for rooftop photovoltaic power generation ranges from 3.3 to 10.9 GW. However, the current utilization rate is still less than 1%. IESR calls for Bali to prioritize the deployment of rooftop photovoltaic systems equipped with energy storage systems (BESS). This is currently the fastest and most cost-effective way to enhance the island's energy supply and ensure energy security, while reducing reliance on the transmission lines from Java Island. Currently, approximately 25% to 30% of Bali's electricity is dependent on transmission from Java via submarine cables.

    Fabby Tumiwa, the executive director of IESR, pointed out: "The combination of rooftop photovoltaic and energy storage systems can not only meet the surging electricity demand after the pandemic, but also alleviate the additional power supply pressure on the national power company."

    According to Indonesia's national energy development goals, by 2040, the country will add 100 GW of power generation capacity nationwide. Among this, the share of renewable energy will reach 75 GW, and solar photovoltaic will contribute 27 GW.