PLN fast-tracks Bali's energy independence push

Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - State-run electricity company PT PLN is accelerating Bali's energy independence push by developing renewable energy power plants and strengthening electrical infrastructure, in line with the 2025–2034 Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL).

Speaking in Denpasar on Thursday, Ajrun Karim, General Manager of PLN's Bali Distribution Main Unit (UID), said the move is expected to meet the rising demand for electricity driven by rapid economic and tourism growth on the island.

He explained that electricity demand in Bali has grown by 8.02 percent, far exceeding the national average. This surge reflects around-the-clock economic activity, which requires an increasingly reliable and sustainable power grid.

Currently, the Bali UID serves around 1.96 million customers, with peak demand nearing 1,300 megawatts (MW).

According to Ajrun, Bali's power grid has a unique characteristic compared to other regions, marked by the narrow gap between its base load and peak load, which indicates consistently high electricity consumption throughout the 24-hour cycle.

"As Bali's electricity demand growth has reached 8.02 percent, PLN must consistently ensure a sufficient, reliable, and sustainable power supply to keep pace with the growth of local communities, businesses, and the tourism sector," he remarked.

He explained that the island's power grid is still supported by supply from Java via the Java-Bali interconnection network.

Meanwhile, several local power plants still rely on fossil fuels, making renewable energy development a vital strategy for boosting Bali's energy independence.

Under the 2025–2034 RUPTL, PLN plans to add 2.74 gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity, comprising 886.8 MW from renewable energy plants, 307.5 MW from energy storage systems, and 1,550 MW from gas-fired power plants to serve as transitional energy.

In addition to increasing the number of plants, the company will construct 885 kilometers of transmission lines, increase substation capacity by 3,320 MVA, and expand the distribution network to support growing electricity demand and investment in Bali.

Ajrun emphasized that building this infrastructure is foundational to strengthening the power grid's resilience, while simultaneously reducing Bali's reliance on electricity supplied from outside the island.

However, he noted that there are several hurdles in implementing the RUPTL in Bali. These include limited space for construction, local aesthetic standards, socio-cultural and spiritual considerations, and technical, regulatory, and financial challenges.

Therefore, collaboration among all stakeholders is deemed paramount to a successful energy transition.

Head of Bali Net Zero Project at Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), Cita Febronia Utami, noted that achieving Bali's 2045 Net Zero Emissions target requires evidence-based policies backed by stronger regulations, investment, technology, human resources, and cross-sector collaboration.

She added that robust planning of the island's renewable energy potential will be key to building a sustainable and competitive energy system in Bali.

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Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Raka Adji

Editor: Azis Kurmala

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