NTB ready to supply renewable energy-based electricity for Bali tourism
West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal has put forward a major proposal to turn Bali into a world-class green tourism destination by supplying it with renewable electricity from NTB and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
“Imagine Bali becoming a truly 100 per cent green tourism destination. Bali would no longer need to build its own power plants because its energy needs could be supplied from NTB and NTT. The solar energy potential in both provinces is enormous,” Iqbal said during the Indonesia Solar Summit (ISS) held in Bali, according to a written statement received in Mataram on Wednesday.
The forum brought together government officials, industry players, investors, academics, and international partners to discuss accelerating solar energy development towards the national target of 100 gigawatts (GW).
Iqbal stressed that the Bali, NTB, NTT regional cooperation (KRBNN) has a significant opportunity to become a model for clean energy-based regional development in Indonesia. He noted that NTB already has a strong foundation to realise this vision, with 77 dams in the province, 15 of which are large dams that could be developed as floating solar photovoltaic sites.
He explained that if around 20 per cent of the dams’ surface area were utilised for solar panel installation, NTB could generate more than 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity. Together with NTT’s energy potential, the two provinces are projected to be able to supply approximately 5-7 GW of electricity within the next five years.
To realise this vision, the NTB provincial government is pushing for the construction of a super grid connecting the electricity systems of Bali, NTB, and NTT. This interconnection is expected to create a more reliable regional electricity system, increase the renewable energy mix, and strengthen national energy security.
Iqbal also emphasised that accelerating the energy transition requires strong investment support. To this end, NTB is preparing “NTB Capital,” an initiative designed to boost investor confidence by speeding up licensing processes and resolving social issues around investment sites.
“NTB Capital will serve as an assurance for investors. We help accelerate the licensing process while facilitating the resolution of various social issues that may arise around investment locations,” he said.
Beyond investment, the NTB Governor is also urging improvements to several national regulations to speed up renewable energy development. One proposal is to grant Special Economic Zones (KEK) the authority to build independent electricity systems (off-grid) through the allocation of business areas.
He argued that such a policy would accelerate the utilisation of solar energy potential in areas like Mandalika, which has very high solar radiation levels and a generation potential of around 100 MW.
Iqbal also proposed that the government allow regions more flexibility to market renewable energy-based electricity, including directly to consumers and international markets, without disrupting the national electricity system.
“When the government provides room for renewable energy development, regions also need to be given the flexibility to utilise their energy potential for a wider market,” he said.
This view received support from NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, who affirmed NTT’s readiness to become a centre for renewable energy investment. He said NTT has a renewable energy potential of around 396 GW, supported by high solar radiation levels and a long dry season, making it highly prospective for solar energy development.
“The NTT provincial government is ready to provide licensing ease, spatial planning certainty, land availability, and to build a conducive investment ecosystem for investors,” he said.