In order to promote local energy use and achieve energy independence, Bali, Indonesia, officially launched a rooftop photovoltaic project, aiming to accelerate the deployment of distributed solar energy systems in government agencies, public facilities and commercial places.

Recently, I Wayan Koster, governor of Bali Province, the administrative region where Bali is located, officially announced the launch of the "Initiative to Accelerate the Socialization of Rooftop Photovoltaic Power Stations in Bali Province". He said: "All provincial, municipal and county government agencies must use rooftop photovoltaic systems, and all hotels, villas, schools, universities and markets must also install them."

The plan is a key component of Bali's "Net Zero Emissions in 2045" goal, which was jointly initiated by the Bali Provincial Government and the Indonesian Energy Policy Think Tank-Institute for Basic Services Reform (IESR) in July 2023.

According to the IESR assessment, Bali's total photovoltaic power generation potential is as high as 22GW, of which the potential for rooftop photovoltaic development is between 3.3-10.9GW, but the current utilization rate is still less than 1%. IESR calls for Bali to prioritize the deployment of rooftop photovoltaic systems equipped with energy storage systems (BESS), which is currently the fastest and lowest-cost way to increase energy supply on the island and ensure energy security, while reducing dependence on transmission lines on Java Island. Currently, about 25% to 30% of Bali's electricity relies on submarine cables from Java.

IESR Executive Director Fabby Tumiwa pointed out: "The combination of rooftop photovoltaics and energy storage systems can not only meet the surge in electricity demand after the epidemic, but also reduce the pressure on the state power company to increase power supply."

According to Indonesia's national energy development goals, by 2040, the country will add 100GW of power generation capacity, of which renewable energy power generation will account for 75GW, and solar photovoltaics will contribute 27GW.