DENPASAR, Bali — In a landmark speech that charts a new course for the island’s future, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster has unveiled a sweeping plan to achieve energy independence through a major build-out of renewable power. Announced at the launch event for “Solid Bergerak Bersama Demi Nindihin Gumi Bali”—the kickoff for Bali’s 100-Year Development Roadmap (2025-2125)—the strategy firmly rejects increased reliance on imported fossil fuel power from Java.
The centerpiece of the plan is the development of 1,550 megawatts (MW) of new, clean power generation within Bali, to be built over five years starting in 2026. Crucially, Governor Koster mandated that all new plants must use gas or renewable sources, explicitly banning new fossil fuel infrastructure. This move is a direct response to Bali’s vulnerability, highlighted by his revelation that a past island-wide blackout was caused by a failure in the existing undersea cable from Java.
“If Bali continues to be supplied more and more from outside via undersea cables, it becomes a threat,” Koster stated at the event, held at the Ksirarnawa Building on December 22, 2025. “I did not agree to an additional 500 MW from Paiton. We will build our own generation here, using environmentally friendly fuel.”
A Diversified Path to Self-Sufficiency
The 1,550 MW target paves the way for Bali to strategically harness its natural resources, creating a resilient and diversified energy mix for the next century. Potential sources include:
- Solar Power: Leveraging abundant tropical sunlight for large-scale farms and rooftop systems.
- Wind Energy: Tapping into consistent coastal breezes in regions like the Bukit Peninsula.
- Biomass/Biogas: Converting organic waste from tourism and agriculture into energy.
A Clear Signal for Bali’s Future Residents and Businesses
For the international community in Bali, this plan directly addresses chronic concerns over grid reliability and long-term sustainability. A successful shift promises a more stable power supply, improved air quality, and positions Bali as a leader in sustainable development. While the execution will be complex, the vision set forth by Governor Koster offers a clear, ambitious blueprint for a self-reliant and greener Bali.
Hey Bali News delivers authoritative reporting on the policies shaping life in Bali, providing our global audience with trusted insight into the island’s future.
Reported by Ferry Fadly
Written by Hey Bali Newsroom