NTB proposes powering Bali with renewable energy

Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal has proposed a major initiative to transform Bali into a world-class green tourism destination by supplying the island with renewable energy.

"Imagine Bali becoming a truly 100 percent green tourism destination," Iqbal said at the Indonesia Solar Summit here on Wednesday.

He noted that Bali would not need new power plants as West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) hold enormous solar potential.

The forum brought together government representatives, industry players, investors, academics, and international partners.

They discussed accelerating solar energy development to help achieve Indonesia's national target of 100 gigawatts (GW).

Iqbal emphasized that regional cooperation among Bali, NTB, and NTT has significant potential. He believes this collaboration could become a model for clean energy-based regional development across the country.

According to him, NTB possesses 77 dams, including 15 major reservoirs that can be developed for floating solar photovoltaic power plants.

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Utilizing 20 percent of these reservoir surfaces for solar panels could generate over 500 megawatts. Combined with NTT's potential, both provinces are projected to supply 5-7 GW within five years.

To realize this vision, the NTB provincial government is pushing for a regional super grid. The interconnection will link the electricity systems of Bali, NTB, and NTT to create a more reliable power network.

Iqbal stressed that accelerating the energy transition requires strong investment support. Therefore, his side is preparing "NTB Capital" to boost investor confidence by expediting licensing and addressing social issues.

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Meanwhile, the proposal received strong support from NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena.

Laka Lena reaffirmed NTT's readiness to become a renewable energy investment hub. The province possesses a renewable energy potential of around 396 GW, driven by high solar radiation.

"The NTT provincial government is ready to provide easier licensing, spatial planning certainty, land availability, and a conducive investment ecosystem for investors," he said.