Sumba Iconic Island Heading Towards 100% Renewable Energy

Sumba is now recognised as a centre for renewable energy development, opening new sustainable investment opportunities with long-term value.

Since 2010, Sumba has been designated as an “Iconic Island” with the target of becoming a 100 per cent renewable energy-based island by 2025. The programme is supported by Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in collaboration with international partners to accelerate the clean energy transition.

The primary objective of the programme is to provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally-friendly electricity access whilst reducing dependence on expensive diesel fuel.

Sumba possesses substantial potential for solar energy due to high solar intensity throughout most of the year, supporting the development of both small and large-scale solar power plants (PLTS) centred in Central Sumba as well as micro-hydropower projects in several villages. Beyond solar, wind energy potential is considerable in several coastal regions, including the Hambapraing area being developed for wind power generation (PLTA).

Government data shows the electrification ratio increased from 24.5 per cent in 2010 to 50.9 per cent in 2018. This increase demonstrates genuine progress and opens opportunities for further investment in electricity distribution, energy storage technology, and other supporting infrastructure.

With the 100 per cent renewable energy target, Sumba is projected to become a national model for clean energy independence based on local potential. For investors, Sumba’s position as a green energy island presents strategic opportunities in the generation, technology, and long-term environmentally-friendly project sectors.