On the potential and progress of renewable electricity generation in Bali

Indonesian National Energy Policy states that renewable electricity generation shall contribute to around 10% of national grid by 2025. Currently, Indonesian grid capacity is just over 43 GW and estimated to reach over 65 GW by 2025 hence renewable generation target is around 6.5 GW. Indonesia is an archipelago country with over 13,700 islands stretches from east to west over three time zones. Renewable generation should be developed over 34 provincial regions by utilizing local resources. Bali is small island and one of provincial administration with nearly four million population and land area of 5,600 square kilometer. As of 2013, its electrification ratio has reached 98%. Its power system is supported by 759.5 MW generating capacity but with peak load already at 730 MW. Bali does not have conventional resources hence all fossil-based fuels are sourced externally. Fortunately, Bali has various renewable resources that can be harnessed for electricity generation. Renewable resources available on the island are micro hydro, wind, photovoltaic, biomass, and also geothermal. This paper provides updated information on the potential and progress of renewable generation of the island. As of 2014, total renewable generation plants has reached 7 MW. The plants comprises of 2.1 MW photovoltaic, 736 kW wind power, 45 kW micro hydro, and 4.174 MW waste-to-electricity plants. The renewable generation contributes to around 1% of Bali's total power capacity.