Bali's 1-GWp solar power push to phase out diesel plants: Govt

“Specifically for Bali, if the 1-gigawatt project is implemented, it is expected to eliminate all diesel generators on this island,” the Ministry’s Director General of Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation, Eniya Listiani Dewi, said.

Speaking after the groundbreaking event for Indonesia’s 100 GWp Solar Power Project in Gilimanuk, Bali, on Tuesday (August 25), Dewi explained the construction of the 1 GWp solar power system in Bali will be divided into five clusters.

One of the ongoing solar power plant developments on the island, located in Gilimanuk, will have a capacity of 300 megawatt-peak (MWp) and feature a 1,000 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).

Spanning approximately 321 hectares, the facility is targeted to generate 470 GWh of energy and save 151,000 kiloliters of fuel annually.

Related news: Indonesia sets three-year target for 100 GW solar power capacity

She expressed hope the rooftop solar projects will be further accelerated across Bali. Dewi cited Bali Governor I Wayan Koster who stated all hotels on the island will be equipped with rooftop solar panels.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, officially launched the 100 GWp solar power strategic programme at the Java-Bali Sea Crossing Monument in Gilimanuk, Bali, on Tuesday.

The in-person inauguration in Gilimanuk was connected virtually with three other locations, to wit Gajah Mungkur Floating Solar Power Plant in Wonogiri, Central Java; Sembur Village Solar Power Plant in Batam, Riau Islands; and Rengit Island Solar Power Plant in Bangka Belitung.

The Gilimanuk power plant and BESS are part of the push to replace fossil fuel-fired power plants with solar energy, targeted to begin operations in 2028.

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Translator: Putu Indah, Raka Adji